Odisha to set up semiconductor Centre of Excellence at IIIT Bhubaneswar to boost tech ecosystem

In a strategic move to emerge as a key player in India’s growing semiconductor ecosystem, the Odisha government has proposed the establishment of a Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Semiconductors at the International Institute of Information Technology (IIIT), Bhubaneswar.

According to The New Indian Express, the proposed centre, to be backed by the state’s Electronics and Information Technology (E&IT) Department, will focus on strengthening Odisha’s capabilities in semiconductor research, development, manufacturing, and industry-ready skill development.

Target Domestic And Global Investors

The initiative aligns with the Odisha government’s broader vision of advancing its electronics manufacturing ecosystem, particularly following a surge in interest from domestic and global investors in the sector.

The decision comes after Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi instructed the department to collaborate with IIIT Bhubaneswar for anchoring the proposed CoE. The institute was selected based on its existing infrastructure, technical orientation, and academic strength, which make it well-suited to host such a high-impact initiative.

A Holistic Plan for Semiconductor Upskilling

The Centre of Excellence will serve as a hub for advanced training, hands-on capacity building, and cutting-edge R&D in semiconductor technologies. It will also play a critical role in bridging the current talent gap by producing skilled professionals to meet the industry’s growing demand.

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Proposal By June 30

As part of the academic expansion, IIIT Bhubaneswar has been tasked with submitting a detailed proposal outlining a structured academic framework for the centre by June 30.

The Odisha government has also advised the institute to introduce post-graduate diploma and certificate programmes in advanced semiconductor engineering, starting from the 2026–27 academic year.

Part of a Broader Semiconductor Vision

The Centre of Excellence will complement Odisha’s existing efforts under the Odisha Chip (O-Chip) initiative, aimed at supporting the fabless semiconductor ecosystem. The state has already introduced a Semiconductor Manufacturing and Fabless Policy and recently released operational guidelines for capital investment subsidies and project facilitation.

With dedicated financial and administrative support, the state aims to create a robust ecosystem that not only attracts investment but also transforms Odisha into a training and innovation powerhouse in the semiconductor space.