TNI Bureau: Odisha took a major step towards becoming a technology and innovation hub on Friday, signing two landmark Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with HCLTech and indigenous AI company Sarvam AI in the presence of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi.

The agreements pave the way for the establishment of an HCLTech Global Delivery Centre, an AI-optimised Data Centre, and a sovereign AI Park in the state. The HCLTech Global Delivery Centre alone will attract an investment of around ₹730 crore and generate direct employment for more than 6,000 skilled youth. Combined, the two projects are expected to attract investments of nearly ₹15,000 crore over the next five years.

Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Majhi described the partnerships as the beginning of a “tech revolution” in Odisha. He said the state’s goal is to break into the top three of NITI Aayog’s Investment Friendliness Index and highlighted Odisha’s recent ranking among the country’s top five investment destinations.

The Chief Minister credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Digital India vision for making India technology-ready and said Odisha is now emerging as a leader in advanced sectors such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors, IT, pharmaceuticals and textiles. He also noted that Sarvam AI’s indigenous AI platform supports Odia and other major Indian languages, enabling AI-driven solutions in agriculture, healthcare, education and defence.

Majhi said Odisha has received investment proposals worth over ₹20 lakh crore in the last two years, with projects worth more than ₹10 lakh crore approved and over ₹3 lakh crore already under implementation. He assured investors of full government support, citing reforms such as single-window clearances and faster project approvals.

HCL Chairperson Roshni Nadar Malhotra expressed confidence in Odisha’s growth story and announced the company’s plans to establish a dedicated AI Park in the state, calling it a significant milestone in India’s artificial intelligence journey.