With PM Modi’s vision, Odisha steps into the Semiconductor era: Ashwini Vaishnaw

Odisha took a major step towards becoming a hub for advanced technology with the foundation stone laying ceremony of the state’s first compound semiconductor project at Infovalley in Jatni, Bhubaneswar, on Saturday.

Union Minister for Electronics and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw attended the event virtually. At the same time, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and State IT Minister Mukesh Mahaling were present at the project site.

Expressing gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the landmark initiative, Vaishnaw said, “With the blessings of Lord Jagannath, the bhoomi pujan of Odisha’s first-ever semiconductor plant was conducted. I thank PM Modi for giving Odisha and Assam an advanced technology semiconductor plant. This proves that PM Modi delivers what he promises — whether it’s Railways, highways, ports, electronics, semiconductors, or telecom.”

Also Read: Foundation stone for Odisha's first semiconductor unit worth Rs 2,067 crore laid in Bhubaneswar, project to generate 5,000 jobs

Highlighting the government’s focus on industry-academia collaboration, Vaishnaw added that a semiconductor research lab is being set up at IIT Bhubaneswar, for which he contributed Rs 5 crore from his MPLAD fund.

“We have also extended grants and facilities in various colleges for semiconductor training. I am happy to share that students from Rourkela and Berhampur have already designed and manufactured chips. This is a matter of great pride,” he said.

The Rs 2,067-crore project, to be established by SiCSem Private Limited, marks a significant milestone in Odisha’s industrial and technological growth. The facility is expected to create around 5,000 employment opportunities and boost the state’s ambition to attract high-value, innovation-driven industries.

Officials said the initiative reflects the state government’s commitment to advancing manufacturing excellence, strengthening Odisha’s position on the national semiconductor map.