Odisha accelerates its semiconductor mission as CM Majhi inaugurates the state’s first chip manufacturing facility, boosting jobs and innovation
OdishaPlus Bureau
Odisha has made significant progress in its ambition to become a leading hub for electronics and semiconductors, as Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi officiated the groundbreaking ceremony for the state’s inaugural compound semiconductor manufacturing facility at Info Valley-II on Saturday.
As sanctioned by the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM), the compound semiconductor fabrication and assembly, testing, marking, and packaging (ATMP) facility, developed by SiCSem Private Limited, will be established with an estimated capital investment of Rs 2,067 crore.
This semiconductor unit is expected to generate 5,000 direct and indirect job opportunities. With an annual production capacity of 60,000 wafers and a packaging capability of 96 million units, the facility will produce essential components for electric vehicles, missiles, defense systems, railways, and renewable energy.
During the event, the chief minister remarked that Odisha’s progress in the semiconductor sector is gaining momentum. “What used to take years in the past is now being accomplished in mere months. This reflects the speed and strength of New India. Following Bengaluru, Odisha is positioning itself as the new electronics and IT capital of India. Under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is advancing in all missions from chip to ship. Odisha is crafting a new narrative of self-sufficiency in semiconductor and electronics manufacturing,” he stated.
The state government, as Majhi stated, has consistently prioritized the development of future-ready sectors through dedicated policies in semiconductors, electronics, artificial intelligence, and emerging technologies, positioning Odisha as one of India’s most investment-friendly locations.
“Odisha is profoundly dedicated to establishing a robust, self-sufficient, and technology-driven economy. We are fostering a seamless ecosystem for investors through progressive policies, skill enhancement, modern infrastructure, and collaboration between industry and academia,” he remarked.
SicSem has already established a research and innovation center at IIT-Bhubaneswar with an investment of Rs 64 crore. Union Railways, IT, and I&B Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has also sanctioned a ‘NAMO semiconductor laboratory’ at the IIT with an investment of Rs 5 crore from his MP LAD fund. “These laboratories will offer students enhanced opportunities for research in semiconductors,” Majhi noted.
The chief minister indicated that Odisha is poised to play a significant role in the success of the Prime Minister’s semiconductor mission. “In New Delhi, two additional companies have also signed MoUs to establish semiconductor units in Odisha. In the near future, these two companies will invest approximately Rs 3,000 crore and generate thousands of job opportunities,” he added.
Participating in the event remotely, Vaishnaw expressed that the prime minister’s vision is being realized as Odisha is becoming the gateway to the East. He declared that the NAMO semiconductor laboratory, which is being established at IIT-Bhubaneswar, will be created by merging industry and education with cutting-edge technology.
Electronics and IT Minister Mukesh Mahaling, Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, Principal Secretary of IT Vishal Dev, Managing Director of Archean Chemical Industries Ltd Ranjit Pendurthi, MD of SiCSem Pvt Ltd Guru Thalapaneni, and CEO of Clas-SiC Wafer Fab Ltd Jennifer Walls were in attendance.