Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Government will establish a Centre of Excellence in Semiconductor Materials and Devices at the International Institute of Information Technology (IIIT), Bhubaneswar, at an estimated cost of ₹400 crore, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced on Wednesday.
The Chief Minister made the announcement while addressing the valedictory session of Indocrypt 2025, India’s flagship international conference on cryptography and information security, hosted by IIIT Bhubaneswar. He said the proposed centre will focus on skilling, research, innovation and industry collaboration in semiconductor design and manufacturing, in alignment with India’s National Semiconductor Mission.
Reaffirming the state’s commitment to advanced technologies, Majhi said Odisha is prioritising cyber security, digital governance and cutting-edge research to support inclusive and sustainable development.
Expressing pride that Indocrypt is being held in Odisha for the first time, the Chief Minister said the event underscores the growing academic reputation and research capability of IIIT Bhubaneswar. He noted that cryptography and cyber security have become central to governance, economic activity, national security and public trust in an increasingly data-driven world.
Highlighting Odisha’s digital transformation, Majhi said the state is at the forefront of adopting digital platforms for public service delivery, including land and revenue records, e-governance services and disaster early-warning systems.
Outlining the government’s long-term vision for IIIT Bhubaneswar, the Chief Minister announced plans to significantly strengthen the institute’s physical and research infrastructure. A modern Student Activity Centre and a central auditorium will be developed to host academic, cultural and national-level events, while state-of-the-art research laboratories will be expanded across key disciplines.
Emphasising holistic campus development, Majhi said a sports complex will also be created to promote physical well-being and teamwork among students.
The Chief Minister further announced plans to establish a Centre for e-Governance and Digital Capacity Building at IIIT Bhubaneswar. The proposed centre will integrate research and applications in cyber security, artificial intelligence, machine learning, data science, renewable energy micro-grids and advanced wireless communication, with a strong focus on governance and public service delivery. In collaboration with the Department of Electronics and IT, the centre will also play a key role in training skilled professionals.
To deepen academic and research excellence, Majhi said the state also envisages the expansion of pure science departments at the institute.
Expressing confidence in IIIT Bhubaneswar’s global engagement and research orientation, the Chief Minister said the institute is well positioned to emerge as a leading centre of excellence in education, research and innovation.
Addressing the gathering, Electronics and IT, Health and Family Welfare Minister Mukesh Mahaling highlighted the critical role of cyber security in socio-economic growth. He noted that over the past 25 years, India’s cryptography community has made significant contributions to strengthening the country’s cyber security framework.
Among others who spoke at the event were Principal Secretary, Electronics and IT Department, Vishal Kumar Dev; Centre Head, C-DAC Kolkata, Dr A. S. Murthy; Secure Communication Programme Manager Prof. Pantelimon Stanica; and Programme Chair of Indocrypt 2025, Prof. Ratna Dutta.
IIIT Bhubaneswar Director Dr Ashish Ghosh, in his welcome address, highlighted the institute’s achievements in research and innovation, while Special Secretary, IT Department and OCAC CEO Dr Pradeep Kumar Rout proposed the vote of thanks.
