Odisha’s Rise as India’s New Silicon Valley in the East Coast
Well known for many accolades, the state is now turning towards technology. It’s imperative that Odisha is emerging as a compelling contender in India’s Information Technology (IT) landscape, attracting startups, tech giants, and global investors. Spearheaded by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik’s visionary leadership and bolstered by progressive policies, the state is poised to rival Silicon Valley as the Silicon Coast of India.
Bhubaneswar, the thriving epicentre of Odisha’s tech industry, is on the brink of surpassing traditional tech hubs like Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Mumbai to become India’s premier IT centre. Setting itself apart from other cities, Bhubaneswar offers an environment conducive to tech innovation and business growth, free from the infrastructure challenges, high living costs, and traffic congestion often found elsewhere.
Recognised as one of India’s emerging technology hubs by Nasscom and Deloitte, Bhubaneswar boasts a skilled talent pool, cost-effective operations, and robust infrastructure, all supported by proactive government initiatives. Its strategic coastal location and lower operational costs make it an attractive hub for tech ventures. Moreover, government initiatives in IT education and skill development ensure a steady influx of skilled professionals to drive industry expansion.
Odisha hosts over 200 IT firms, including Infosys, TCS, Wipro, and Tech Mahindra, driving opportunities and technological advancements. Cognizant’s new facility in Bhubaneswar, spanning 52,000 sqft, is set to accommodate 1000 associates initially and expand to over 5000 in two years. Accenture’s upcoming inauguration further enriches the tech ecosystem. Consulting giants like PwC, Deloitte, and EY also have a presence, highlighting Odisha’s appeal.
In the last four years, a significant influx of over 50 new IT companies in Bhubaneswar has been noticed, diversifying the IT landscape and doubling employment opportunities. This growth underscores Bhubaneswar’s emergence as a vibrant technology hub and solidifies its position as the Silicon Coast of India.
Forward-thinking policies like the IT Policy 2022 and Odisha Semiconductor and Fabless Policy 2023 foster innovation and investment. Odisha’s strategic location enables seamless trade with Southeast Asia, while lower operational costs and improved air connectivity enhance its attractiveness to businesses.
A recent diplomatic mission to the USA, led by Minister for Electronics and IT, Shri. Tusharkanti Behera, in collaboration with Shri. Kartik Pandian, Chairman of 5T and Naveen Odisha, has significantly advanced Odisha’s ambitions in the electronics and IT sector. By engaging with investors and stakeholders in Silicon Valley, the delegation adeptly showcased Odisha’s potential as the new Silicon Coast for semiconductor manufacturing and chip design, garnering widespread international acclaim and attention.
As India’s technological landscape evolves, Odisha emerges as the next frontier in innovation. Government-backed IT enclaves such as Infocity, Info valley, and O-Hub, fortified by supportive policies, underscore Odisha’s commitment to nurturing an environment conducive to IT investment and development. The success of the Silicon Valley mission solidifies Odisha’s standing as a hub for semiconductor innovation, poised for exponential growth in the IT sector.
