Odisha CM Hails NaMo Semiconductor Lab Approval from PM Modi

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced on October 8, 2023, that the establishment of the NaMo Semiconductor Laboratory at IIT Bhubaneswar has been officially approved. This initiative is expected to significantly enhance the state’s involvement in the national and global semiconductor industries. The Chief Minister expressed his gratitude towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister of Electronics and Information Technology, Ashwini Vaishnaw, for their support in this endeavor.

In a post on his social media account, CM Majhi stated, “I extend my sincere gratitude to Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri @narendramodiJi and Union Minister for Electronics & IT Shri @AshwiniVaishnawJi for approving the ‘NaMo Semiconductor Laboratory’ at IIT Bhubaneswar.” He emphasized that the recent approval of the State Semiconductor Policy by the Odisha Cabinet, along with multiple memoranda of understanding signed with prominent semiconductor companies, positions Odisha as an emerging hub for research, design, and advanced manufacturing in the semiconductor sector.

The approval for the NaMo Semiconductor Laboratory marks a significant advancement in India’s efforts to strengthen its semiconductor ecosystem. The Ministry of Electronics & IT (MeitY) confirmed that the project will be funded through the Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLAD) with an estimated budget of Rs 4.95 crore. The lab is designed to equip India’s youth with industry-ready skills in semiconductor technology and aims to bolster the country’s talent pool in chip design.

According to the ministry, “The NaMo Semiconductor Lab will help position IIT Bhubaneswar as a leading center for semiconductor research, training, and innovation.” The facility is anticipated to play a crucial role in preparing professionals for the upcoming chip manufacturing and packaging units that are being established across India.

The establishment of this laboratory is aligned with the national initiatives of ‘Make in India’ and ‘Design in India.’ CM Majhi articulated his confidence that the NaMo Semiconductor Laboratory will not only inspire the youth but also accelerate research efforts, thereby reinforcing Odisha’s position on both the national and global semiconductor map.

As the semiconductor industry continues to grow, the NaMo Semiconductor Laboratory is poised to be a catalyst for innovation and education, contributing significantly to the future of technology in India.