In a significant push for advanced technology and self-reliance, the Odisha government has unveiled plans to establish a high-end Centre of Excellence (CoE) dedicated to semiconductor materials and devices. The announcement was made by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi during his address at the valedictory session of Indocrypt 2025, an international conference on cryptography hosted by the International Institute of Information Technology, Bhubaneswar (IIIT-Bhubaneswar).
A Rs 400 Crore Boost for India's Chip Ambitions
The state will invest Rs 400 crore to set up the centre at IIIT-Bhubaneswar. Chief Minister Majhi stated that the CoE is designed to promote skilling, cutting-edge research, innovation, and strong industry collaboration in the critical fields of semiconductor design and manufacturing. This initiative is a direct alignment with the objectives of the Government of India's flagship National Semiconductor Mission, which aims to position the country as a global hub for electronics manufacturing and design.
"Odisha is committed to strengthening cyber security, digital governance and advanced technology research in the state," Majhi emphasized. He highlighted that the first-time hosting of the prestigious Indocrypt conference in Odisha this year reflects the growing academic and research stature of the institute.
Cybersecurity and Digital Governance Take Center Stage
In his speech, the Chief Minister elaborated on the central role of cryptography and cybersecurity in today's world. He noted that these fields are now foundational to governance, economic activity, national security, and public trust in an increasingly data-driven society. Odisha, he underlined, is at the forefront of adopting digital platforms for public service delivery, land and revenue records, e-governance, and disaster early-warning systems, making robust cybersecurity infrastructure imperative.
Echoing this sentiment, Minister for Electronics and IT Mukesh Mahaling highlighted the critical importance of cybersecurity for sustained socio-economic growth. He praised India's crypto community for its contributions over the past 25 years in strengthening the nation's cyber defense systems.
Holistic Infrastructure and Capacity Building Plans
Beyond the semiconductor CoE, CM Majhi outlined a broader, long-term vision for IIIT-Bhubaneswar. The government plans to significantly strengthen the institute's physical and research infrastructure. This includes the development of a modern student activity centre and a central auditorium to support academic, cultural, and national-level events. The state will also support the expansion of state-of-the-art research laboratories across key disciplines.
In a related announcement, Majhi revealed plans to establish a centre for e-governance and digital capacity building at IIIT-Bhubaneswar. This proposed centre will integrate research and practical applications in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, machine learning, data science, renewable energy micro-grids, and advanced wireless communication, with a strong focus on improving governance and public service delivery. In collaboration with the department of electronics and IT, this centre will play a crucial role in training a new generation of skilled professionals to meet future challenges.
These ambitious announcements signal Odisha's determined entry into the high-stakes arena of semiconductor technology and advanced digital research, aiming to create a talent pool and innovation ecosystem that serves both state and national strategic interests.
