Odisha’s First AI, ML Lab to Come Up at Sambalpur University

Bhubaneswar: Odisha’s first artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) laboratory is being constructed at Sambalpur University, marking a significant step towards strengthening technology-driven education in the state.

The state-of-the-art lab is being set up at the Sambalpur University Institute of Information Technology (SUIIT) on the varsity’s Burla campus in Sambalpur district. The project is being established with financial assistance from the Odisha government.

Highlighting the importance of innovation in education, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said the initiative would benefit hundreds of students. “Innovation is key to technological advancement. Odisha’s first AI and machine learning lab is being set up at Sambalpur University with financial assistance from the state government. This will greatly benefit students and enhance their technical capabilities,” he said.

During his visit, the Union Minister also inaugurated an indoor badminton stadium at SUIIT and laid foundation stones for several infrastructure and development projects at Sambalpur University.

Pradhan emphasised Sambalpur’s growing potential as a centre for higher education and a knowledge-based economy. He noted that the city is home to several prominent institutions, including Sambalpur University, Gangadhar Meher University, Veer Surendra Sai Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (VIMSAR), the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), and Odisha State Open University (OSOU).

“These institutions can play a crucial role in promoting entrepreneurship and innovation among students. Sambalpur has the scope to emerge as a major hub for the knowledge economy,” he added.

The Union Minister further announced that both the Union Ministry of Education and the Odisha government are committed to the overall development of Sambalpur University, which is set to complete 60 years in the near future.