Odisha signs MoUs with HCLTech, Sarvam AI for state's first AI Data Centre
Bhubaneswar, July 24
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Friday announced that the state government has signed two Memoranda of Understanding with HCLTech and Sarvam AI to strengthen Odisha's technology and digital infrastructure, including the establishment of the state's first AI Data Centre.
The agreements were signed on the occasion of the Bahuda Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath. Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said the MoUs marked a significant milestone for Odisha's technology and enterprise sector.
Speaking to reporters, Majhi said, "Today is the Bahuda Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath, and this occasion marks a historic day for Odisha's technology and enterprise sector. Our government has signed two MoUs with HCL Tech and Sarvam AI, the country's indigenous AI organisation. Under the first MoU, HCL Tech will establish a Global Development Centre in Odisha."
Highlighting the second agreement, Majhi said, "Under the second MoU, HCL Tech and Sarvam AI will jointly establish Odisha's first AI Data Centre at the Odisha Sovereign AI Park. This initiative will help keep our data secure and further accelerate Odisha's development. HCL Tech is investing approximately Rs 730 crore in this project, which will significantly strengthen the state's digital ecosystem and enhance its global competitiveness."
HCLTech also announced plans to establish its first AI Data Centre at the upcoming Odisha Sovereign AI Park in partnership with Sarvam AI and the Odisha government. The broader project, with a planned capital outlay of Rs 14,257 crore, will also include a Global Development Centre as Odisha seeks to expand its presence in artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure and technology services.
Speaking on the occasion, HCLTech Chairperson Roshni Nadar Malhotra said Odisha's business-friendly policies and strong talent base made it the ideal location for the company's AI Data Centre in partnership with Sarvam AI.
She said, "About a year ago, the Odisha Chief Minister visited the HCLTech campus in Noida, where he presented Odisha's business-friendly policy framework for IT, AI, and data centres...When we were looking for a suitable location and state to partner with Sarvam AI, Odisha emerged as an excellent choice. Through our partnership with Sarvam AI, we are establishing an AI Data Centre in Odisha. The state has a strong talent pool, excellent technical capabilities, and a large number of engineering colleges."
Emphasising the company's long-term commitment to the state, she added, "HCLTech is committed to Odisha, and the state is also ahead of many others in developing AI data centre infrastructure. We will be partnering with engineering institutes and also working with Sarvam AI to build AI talent. AI-ready talent does not become available overnight, so engineering graduates need to be upskilled with future-ready skills. We will be focusing on that as well."
— ANI
Reader Comments
Impressive that they signed this during Bahuda Rath Yatra - blending tradition with technology! But I hope the state also focuses on power infrastructure for the AI data centre. Odisha's electricity supply can be erratic in some areas. Jai Jagannath! 🏛️
Rs 14,257 crore planned outlay - that's serious money! But I wonder about execution. Many such grand announcements happen but ground reality is different. Hope they actually build the AI Sovereign Park as promised and don't just keep it on paper. Odisha needs this push badly.
Finally some good news! As someone from Bhubaneswar, I've seen the IT sector grow slowly here. HCLTech partnership with Sarvam AI could be a game-changer. But I hope the state government ensures local vendors and small businesses also benefit from this ecosystem, not just the big players.
Roshni Nadar Malhotra ji's comments about building AI-ready talent are spot on. Our engineering colleges churn out graduates but many lack industry-ready skills. This upskilling partnership should be extended to government colleges too, not just private ones. That's how real development happens.
Good initiative but I hope they also focus on data privacy and security. With AI data centres handling sensitive information, we need strong regulatory frameworks. Also, what about the environmental impact? AI data centres consume massive power and water. Hope sustainable practices are included in the plan.
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