Bhubaneswar: Major Investment in Semiconductor Excellence
Odisha’s Chief Minister, Mohan Charan Majhi, declared on Wednesday that the State government will allocate an impressive Rs 400 crore to establish a centre of excellence dedicated to the semiconductor sector at IIIT Bhubaneswar.
This announcement came during the valedictory session of Indocrypt 2025, India’s paramount international conference focusing on cryptography and information security, which was hosted by IIIT Bhubaneswar.
Majhi emphasised Odisha’s unwavering commitment to enhancing cyber security, digital governance, and pioneering research in advanced technologies within the State.
“The establishment of this centre of excellence for semiconductor materials and devices will catalyse skills development, research initiatives, innovation, and industry partnerships in design and manufacturing, aligning seamlessly with India’s National Semiconductor Mission,” Majhi stated, as per a release from the Chief Minister’s Office.
He expressed pride in the fact that Indocrypt is being convened in the State for the first time, underscoring the growing academic and research prominence of IIIT Bhubaneswar.
Majhi illuminated the significance of the conference theme, stating that cryptography and cybersecurity are now pivotal to governance, economic development, national security, and public trust in a data-centric era.
Furthermore, the Chief Minister articulated the State government’s aspirational long-term vision for IIIT Bhubaneswar, announcing an initiative to bolster its physical and research infrastructure significantly.
“A modern student activity centre as well as a central auditorium will be constructed to facilitate academic, cultural, and nationally significant events. The government is also committed to expanding research laboratories across critical disciplines,” he remarked.
In a bid to foster teamwork and cultivate a healthy campus ethos, a sports complex will also be developed. Additionally, the Chief Minister unveiled plans for a centre focused on e-governance and digital capacity building at IIIT Bhubaneswar.
This prospective centre will amalgamate research and practical applications in cyber security, artificial intelligence, machine learning, data science, renewable energy micro-grids, and advanced wireless communication, with an acute emphasis on governance and citizen service delivery.
In collaboration with the Department of Electronics and IT, this centre is set to play a vital role in training proficient professionals, Majhi explained, while also expressing aspirations for the enhancement of pure science departments within the institute.
With these initiatives, IIIT Bhubaneswar is on track to become a preeminent hub for education, research, and innovation.
On this occasion, Odisha’s IT Minister, Mukesh Mahaling, underscored the critical role of cybersecurity in driving socio-economic progress.
Source link: Thehansindia.com.
