Odisha signs MoU with HCLTech for AI Data Centre

The Odisha Government on Friday signed a memorandum of understanding with HCLTech for setting up of AI Data Centre and global delivery centre in Odisha at an estimated investment of an estimated investment of approximately ₹14,257 crore. The MoU signed in the presence of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and HCLTech Chairperson Roshni Nadar Malhotra says the project is intended to provide secure, scalable and inclusive digital infrastructure for government, research institutions, startups and enterprises. “The initiative is expected to place Odisha as the leading sovereign AI hub while strengthening India’s position in the AI ecosystem. With this investment, HCLTech marks its foray in Odisha, with its first-ever investment for an AI Data Centre in the country,” says a statement issued on the occasion. “Apart from this investment, HCLTech will also establish an AI and digital engineering global delivery centre across two phases in Bhubaneswar. The global delivery centre is expected to generate more than 5,000 highly skilled direct jobs and thousands of indirect employment opportunities across the broader technology and innovation ecosystem,” it says. “These landmark agreements will strengthen technology-driven economic growth in Odisha and create direct employment opportunities for thousands of highly educated and skilled youth in the State,” said Mr. Majhi. “In line with the Digital India and Atmanirbhar Bharat vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, we strive to be an enabler of India’s sovereign AI ecosystem with differentiated offerings across the value chain through focused investments and partnerships. We are pleased to start this endeavor in partnership with Odisha government and Sarvam,” said Ms. Malhotra.