Odisha’s First Deep Neural Network Lab Inaugurated in Bhubaneswar, Marking a Leap in Defence AI Innovation

Bhubaneswar: In a major stride towards strengthening India’s defence and artificial intelligence ecosystem, Odisha’s first state-of-the-art Deep Neural Network (DNN) Laboratory was inaugurated today at Krystellar Defence and Aerospace in Nayapally, Bhubaneswar. The facility was formally opened by Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, in the presence of senior government officials, defence scientists, academic leaders, industry stakeholders, and international domain experts.

Conceived as a cutting-edge hub for innovation in emerging defence technologies, the DNN Lab is set to become a critical platform for advanced research in Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), AI-powered electronic warfare, space surveillance, hypersonic threat detection, cognitive communications, radar signal processing, and cyber defence.

Calling the initiative a proud moment for Odisha, Singh Deo lauded the visionary efforts of young Odia entrepreneur Uday Bhanu Das, the Founder and CEO of Krystellar Defence and Aerospace. “This lab is not just an infrastructure milestone—it is a strategic investment in India’s future security and technological sovereignty. I urge the youth to dream big and work relentlessly to make those dreams a reality,” the Deputy CM said.

He also highlighted the role of such initiatives in contributing to the larger national goals under the ‘Make in India’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ missions. As part of the event, Singh Deo extended an invitation to leading German automobile companies to explore Odisha as a hub for setting up manufacturing facilities.

The inauguration ceremony also witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Krystellar and BL eGovernance and IT Solutions. Singh Deo launched a line of high-end mobile devices developed under local entrepreneurship and commended the innovative spirit of start-ups driving technological change in the state.

Brigadier L.C. Patnaik, Chairman of Defence and Space, underscored the need for developing AI-optimized frameworks, high-performance computing systems, and automated warfare technologies to enhance national security and future warfare readiness.

Uday Bhanu Das, in his address, described the DNN Lab as a cornerstone of indigenous AI development for mission-critical applications. “This lab will not only push the boundaries of technological innovation but also serve as a nucleus for collaborations with DRDO labs, aerospace PSUs, and India’s growing defence-tech community,” he said.

Beyond research and development, the facility will offer advanced training programmes, workshops, and collaborative opportunities for defence personnel, scientists, and engineers. The lab is expected to emerge as a catalyst in nurturing next-generation defence innovation from the heart of eastern India.