The Business Bytes
THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU
BHUBANESWAR, JANUARY 28, 2025
Union Minister for Railways, Electronics & IT, and Information & Broadcasting, Ashwini Vaishnaw, highlighted Odisha’s pivotal role in India’s semiconductor future during the Utkarsh Odisha: Make in Odisha Conclave 2025. He applauded the success of India’s semiconductor mission and emphasized Odisha’s untapped potential, citing the state’s skilled youth as a key catalyst for technological advancement.
The event set a new benchmark for Odisha’s industrial aspirations, with investment commitments totaling ₹20,900 crore across key sectors such as IT/ITeS, electronics, semiconductors, and data centers. Prominent firms including Zoho, Emmvee Photovoltaic Power, and VVDN Technologies announced major investments, signaling confidence in Odisha’s business-friendly policies and vision for balanced regional development.
A major highlight of the conclave was the virtual foundation-laying ceremony for a semiconductor manufacturing facility by SiCSem Pvt. Ltd. in Bhubaneswar’s Infovalley. The groundbreaking project is expected to position Odisha as a hub for advanced technology and innovation in semiconductor manufacturing.
To accelerate innovation, the state signed multiple Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with leading organizations, including NASSCOM and the Wadhwani Foundation, aimed at advancing artificial intelligence (AI), emerging technologies, and the state-led O-Chip program.
Odisha’s Electronics and IT Minister, Dr. Mukesh Mahaling, outlined an ambitious vision to transform Odisha into a $500 billion economy by 2036. He emphasized the government’s commitment to fostering growth through initiatives such as dedicated Tech Business Parks and IT Clusters in Tier-II cities, making the state a preferred destination for tech-driven industries.
Leaders from global giants like Accenture, Oracle, and Deloitte lauded Odisha’s proactive governance, skilled talent pool, and conducive ecosystem for investments. They also expressed confidence in the state’s potential to drive economic transformation.
The conclave featured engaging discussions on cutting-edge domains like Electronics System Design and Manufacturing (ESDM) and the rising prominence of Global Capability Centers (GCCs) in Tier-II cities. These deliberations underscored Odisha’s growing stature as a frontrunner in India’s technological and industrial evolution.
