Odisha emerges as India’s new Electronics & IT hub: CM Majhi

Bhubaneswar, Nov 1 : Odisha is fast emerging as India’s new hub for electronics and IT after Bengaluru, marking a significant stride in the country’s semiconductor sector, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said.

Speaking at the foundation stone laying ceremony of SiCSem Pvt. Ltd. at Infovalley, Bhubaneswar, Majhi announced the setting up of a state-of-the-art semiconductor manufacturing unit with an investment of ₹2,000 crore. He said the new facility will produce semiconductors used in missiles, electric vehicles, defense equipment, railways, and solar energy systems.

“This moment is not just about bricks and cement; it symbolizes aspiration, stability, collaboration, and self-reliance,” the Chief Minister remarked, adding that Odisha’s semiconductor journey is gaining strong momentum and is aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Semiconductor Mission.

Majhi also revealed that SiCSem Pvt. Ltd. has established a Research and Innovation Centre at IIT Bhubaneswar with an additional investment of ₹64 crore. On the occasion, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced ₹5 crore from his MPLAD fund for setting up a NaMo Semiconductor Laboratory at IIT Bhubaneswar, aimed at fostering industry-academia collaboration and promoting advanced semiconductor research.

“Under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, India is advancing from ‘chip to ship’ in every mission,” Majhi said, emphasizing that Odisha is scripting a new chapter of self-reliance in semiconductor and electronics manufacturing. He informed that two companies have recently signed MoUs in New Delhi to set up semiconductor units in Odisha with a proposed investment of around ₹3,000 crore.

“Odisha will soon be recognized as a national hub for semiconductor manufacturing,” the Chief Minister declared.

Addressing the event virtually, Union Minister Vaishnaw said, “Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision is becoming a reality — Odisha is developing as the gateway to Purvodaya.” He noted that the NaMo Semiconductor Laboratory will create “golden opportunities” for young minds to acquire technical expertise and drive innovation.

Odisha Electronics and IT Minister Dr. Mukesh Mahaling said the state takes pride in contributing to the Prime Minister’s vision of a Viksit Bharat (Developed India).

The event was attended by Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, IIT Bhubaneswar Director Sripad Karmalkar, Arcane Chemical Industries Managing Director Ranjit Pendurthy, SiCSem Pvt. Ltd. Managing Director Guru Thallapaneni, and Class-SiC Wafer Fab Ltd. CEO Jennifer Walls, among others.