Odisha's Semiconductor Aspirations Shine at SEMICON India 2026
Odisha's Growing Semiconductor Landscape
Odisha's ambitions in the semiconductor sector received a significant boost during SEMICON India 2026, a three-day global technology event that served as a vital platform for the state to showcase its expanding capabilities. The event, held at Yashobhoomi in New Delhi from September 17 to 19, aimed to attract new investments and establish Odisha as a key player in semiconductor and electronics manufacturing in eastern India.
The state presented investment proposals totaling Rs 23,600 crore, which could potentially create around 6,100 jobs. Additionally, the proposed 870-acre semiconductor and electronics manufacturing cluster at Naraj was highlighted, emphasizing Odisha's commitment to developing a robust semiconductor ecosystem.
The event gathered global semiconductor firms, technology companies, policymakers, and research institutions. Union Electronics and Information Technology Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw emphasized India's next phase of semiconductor development, noting Odisha's vast potential and the expectation of increased investments in the future.
Vaishnaw remarked, "Odisha has immense potential in the semiconductor sector, and more investments are anticipated soon," while also mentioning the upcoming 3D packaging unit in the state, which signifies its growing role in advanced packaging.
A standout moment for Odisha at SEMICON India was the presentation of an indigenous semiconductor chip designed by NIT Rourkela, showcased among the Made-in-India chips. This chip was presented to Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the event's inauguration, highlighting Odisha's capabilities in chip design on both national and international stages.
The participation of NIT Rourkela and PMEC, Berhampur, at the Odisha Pavilion underscored another crucial aspect of the state's semiconductor strategy: fostering talent and indigenous design capabilities alongside manufacturing. The state's presence at SEMICON India was supported by high-level meetings between the Odisha government and leading global and Indian technology firms.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi led a delegation that engaged with semiconductor and technology companies, as well as delegations from Japan, Sweden, and Taiwan. Discussions with companies such as Lam Research, Applied Materials, SiCSem, 3D Glass Solutions, Cyient, Linde, and HORIBA India resulted in investment proposals amounting to Rs 23,600 crore, with the potential to generate approximately 6,100 jobs.
Central to Odisha's semiconductor vision is the proposed 870-acre semiconductor and electronics manufacturing cluster at Naraj, which Majhi referred to as the "Odisha Silicon Valley." This reflects the government's ambition to create a concentrated ecosystem for semiconductor and electronics manufacturing, innovation, and supporting industries.
The state is also pursuing investments in areas such as silicon carbide, advanced packaging, glass-substrate packaging, memory-module assembly, and power electronics, with applications in electric vehicles, railways, defense, and energy.