IIIT Bhubaneswar: The State Government will set up a Centre of Excellence at IIIT Bhubaneswar in Semiconductor at a cost of Rs 400 Crore. Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Majhi today announced this while speaking at the valedictory session of Indocrypt 2025, India’s flagship international conference on cryptography and information security, hosted by IIIT Bhubaneswar.
The Centre of Excellence in Semiconductor Materials and Devices will promote skilling, research, innovation and industry collaboration in semiconductor design and manufacturing, aligned with India’s National Semiconductor Mission, the CM said.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said that Odisha is committed to strengthening cyber security, digital governance and advanced technology research in the state. Expressing pride that Indocrypt is being held in Odisha for the first time this year, the Chief Minister said the event reflects the growing academic and research stature of IIIT Bhubaneswar.
Highlighting the relevance of the conference theme, Shri Majhi noted that cryptography and cyber security have become central to governance, economic activity, national security and public trust in an increasingly data-driven world. He underlined that for a state like Odisha is at the forefront of adopting digital platforms public service delivery, land and revenue records, e-governance services and disaster early-warning systems.
The Chief Minister outlined the Odisha Government’s long-term vision for IIIT Bhubaneswar, announcing plans to significantly strengthen its physical and research infrastructure. He said a modern Student Activity Centre and a central auditorium will be developed to support academic, cultural and national-level events. The government will also support the expansion of state-of-the-art research laboratories across key disciplines.
Emphasizing holistic development, Shri Majhi said a sports complex will be developed to promote physical well-being, teamwork and a healthy campus environment. 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 crucial role in training skilled professionals.
To ensure long-term innovation and academic depth, the Chief Minister said the government also envisages the expansion of pure science departments at the institute. Expressing confidence in the institute’s growing global engagement and research orientation, Shri Majhi said IIIT Bhubaneswar is poised to emerge as a leading centre of excellence in education, research and innovation. He wished Indocrypt 2025 great success and extended best wishes to the institute in achieving its ambitious vision.
Speaking on the occasion, Minister for Electronics and IT, Health and Family Welfare Dr. Mukesh Mahaling highlighted the importance of cyber security for socio-economic growth. He said that in the 25 years of journey, India’s crypto community has a gone a long way in strengthening our cyber security system.
Among others Principal Secretary of Electronics and IT Department, Shri Vishal Kumar Dev, Centre Head of C-DAC Kolkata Dr. A. S. Murthy, Prof. and Manager of Secure Communication Program. Professor Pantelimon Stanica and Programme Chair of Indocrypt 2025 Professor Ratna Dutta also spoke on the occasion. Director of IIIT Bhubaneswar Dr. Ashish Ghosh in his welcome address highlighted the activities the institute in research and innovation. Special Secretary of IT department and OCAC CEO Dr Pradeep Kumar Rout proposed the vote of thanks.
