Odisha Boosts Semiconductor Industry with 'NaMo Lab' at IIT Bhubaneswar
Odisha is set to bolster its semiconductor industry with the approval of the 'NaMo Semiconductor Laboratory' at IIT Bhubaneswar. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for this significant development.
The lab, with an estimated project cost of Rs 5.3 crore, will be funded under the MPLAD scheme. It will house essential equipment and software for semiconductor training, design, and fabrication, totaling Rs 4.6 crore and Rs 35 lakh respectively.
The lab aims to equip youth with industry-ready skills and position IIT Bhubaneswar as a semiconductor research and skilling hub. It is expected to strengthen Odisha's position as a hub for semiconductor research, design, and advanced manufacturing, advancing 'Make in India' and 'Design in India' initiatives. Moreover, it will help develop talent for upcoming chip manufacturing and packaging units across India, further boosting these initiatives.
Odisha has already received approval for two semiconductor projects under the India Semiconductor Mission. These include an integrated facility for Silicon Carbide (SiC)-based compound semiconductors and an advanced 3D glass packaging facility. India, home to 20% of global chip design talent, has seen 28 student-designed chips from 20 institutes taped out at the semiconductor laboratory in Mohali.
The 'NaMo Semiconductor Laboratory' at IIT Bhubaneswar is poised to enhance Odisha's semiconductor ecosystem. With the support of the central government, the state is well-positioned to attract more investments and make semiconductor projects more viable and competitive, as evident in the recent amendment of its semiconductor policy.
