Odisha Signs Landmark MoUs with HCLTech and Sarvam AI; ₹15,000-Crore Tech Push to Create 6,000 Jobs

Bhubaneswar: In a significant move to transform Odisha into a major technology and artificial intelligence destination, the state government on Friday signed two key Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with HCLTech and homegrown AI startup Sarvam AI. The agreements were formalised at Lok Seva Bhawan in the presence of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi.

Calling the partnerships a major milestone in Odisha’s digital journey, the Chief Minister said the projects would accelerate technological innovation, generate employment opportunities, and strengthen the state’s position as an emerging investment hub.

HCLTech to Set Up Global Development Centre

As part of the agreement, HCLTech will establish a Global Development Centre (GDC) in Odisha with an initial investment of ₹730 crore. The facility is expected to create more than 6,000 direct employment opportunities, offering skilled jobs to the state’s youth and boosting the IT ecosystem.

AI Park and Data Centre Planned

In another major initiative, HCLTech and Sarvam AI will jointly develop an AI-Optimised Data Centre, while the Odisha government will create a Sovereign AI Park to house the facility. The project aims to enhance India’s indigenous AI capabilities and provide a secure domestic infrastructure for advanced artificial intelligence services.

According to the state government, the two projects are expected to attract investments worth nearly ₹15,000 crore over the next five years, significantly contributing to Odisha’s digital economy.

Focus on Indigenous AI and Local Languages

Speaking after the signing ceremony, Chief Minister Majhi said India has made remarkable progress under the Digital India initiative and that Odisha is well-positioned to become a leader in next-generation technologies.

He highlighted the growing strength of indigenous AI solutions, noting that Sarvam AI has developed platforms capable of supporting several Indian languages, including Odia. The proposed AI Park and Data Centre will further promote AI-based applications and services in regional languages while supporting sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, education, and defence.

Odisha’s Investment Momentum Continues

The Chief Minister also pointed to Odisha’s strong investment climate, stating that the state has received investment proposals exceeding ₹20 lakh crore over the past two years. Projects worth more than ₹10 lakh crore have already been approved, while investments exceeding ₹3 lakh crore are currently under implementation.

He added that Odisha’s investor-friendly policies, including a revamped Industrial Policy, single-window clearance mechanism, and expanded land bank, have significantly reduced project approval timelines to under 100 days. He also noted that Odisha has secured a place among the top five states in NITI Aayog’s Investment Friendliness Index 2026, with the government aiming to enter the top three.

Industry Leaders Welcome Initiative

Electronics and Information Technology Minister Mukesh Mahaling described the agreements as a major boost for Odisha’s technology and electronics sectors, saying they would open new avenues for innovation and economic growth.

HCL Chairperson Roshni Nadar Malhotra reaffirmed the company’s commitment to expanding its presence in Odisha, attributing the investment decision to the state’s progressive policies and business-friendly environment. She also expressed confidence that the proposed AI Park would play a pivotal role in shaping Odisha’s artificial intelligence ecosystem.

The MoUs were signed in the presence of senior government officials, including Additional Chief Secretary Vishal Kumar Dev, HCLTech CEO and Managing Director C. Vijayakumar, Sarvam AI CEO Pratyush Kumar, and representatives from industry and academia.