Sambalpur MP Seeks C-DAC Centre at GMU, STPI Expansion
Sambalpur MP Dharmendra Pradhan has urged the Union IT minister to set up a C-DAC centre at GMU and expand the STPI facility to boost western Odisha’s tech ecosystem.
On 31 August 2026, Sambalpur MP Dharmendra Pradhan urged Union Electronics and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to establish a regional Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) at Gangadhar Meher University and to expand the existing Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) centre in the city. Pradhan made the requests in two separate letters to Vaishnaw, stressing the need to strengthen the education, IT and technology ecosystem in western Odisha. According to the Express News Service report updated at 3:39 am on 31 Aug 2026, the former Union minister highlighted that a C‑DAC centre at GMU would significantly boost research in data analytics, cloud infrastructure and artificial intelligence, while creating opportunities for collaboration between academia, startups, industries and government institutions. He added that the facility would help develop skilled manpower in AI, cybersecurity, Indian language technologies and digital solutions, fostering innovation and technology‑led entrepreneurship in the region.
What does the proposed C-DAC centre aim to achieve?
Pradhan said a C-DAC centre at Gangadhar Meher University would significantly boost research in data analytics, cloud infrastructure and artificial intelligence. He also said it would create opportunities for collaboration between academia, startups, industries and government institutions. The facility would help develop skilled manpower in AI, cybersecurity, Indian language technologies and digital solutions. Pradhan added that it would foster innovation and technology‑led entrepreneurship in the region. He reiterated that the C-DAC centre would significantly boost research in data analytics, cloud infrastructure and artificial intelligence. He again noted that it would create opportunities for collaboration between academia, startups, industries and government institutions. He stressed that the facility would help develop skilled manpower in AI, cybersecurity, Indian language technologies and digital solutions. He emphasized that it would foster innovation and technology‑led entrepreneurship in the region.
Why does Pradhan seek expansion of the STPI centre?
In his second letter, Pradhan requested expansion and modernisation of the existing Software Technology Parks of India centre in Sambalpur to develop it into a future-ready IT, Electronics System Design and Manufacturing and innovation hub. He noted that Sambalpur and adjoining areas have significant potential in IT, ESDM, semiconductor design and digital infrastructure. He pointed out that although the existing STPI centre has contributed to the region’s digital economy, its expansion has become necessary in view of the growing opportunities in IT, startups, AI, semiconductor design and digital services. Pradhan stated that an expanded STPI facility could promote technology companies, startups, incubation, skill development and innovation while creating high-quality employment opportunities for youths of Odisha, particularly in semiconductor design, AI, IT and Global Capability Centres. He added that an expanded STPI facility could promote technology companies, startups, incubation, skill development and innovation while creating high-quality employment opportunities for youths of Odisha, particularly in semiconductor design, AI, IT and Global Capability Centres. He expressed hope that establishing the C-DAC centre at GMU and modernising the STPI facility would strengthen Odisha’s digital and technology ecosystem and contribute to developing Sambalpur as a globally competitive technology hub. He again expressed hope that establishing the C-DAC centre at GMU and modernising the STPI facility would strengthen Odisha’s digital and technology ecosystem and contribute to developing Sambalpur as a globally competitive technology hub.
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Who is Dharmendra Pradhan?
Dharmendra Pradhan is the Member of Parliament from Sambalpur and a former Union minister.
What did Dharmendra Pradhan request from Ashwini Vaishnaw?
He requested the establishment of a regional C-DAC centre at Gangadhar Meher University and the expansion of the existing STPI centre in Sambalpur.
Where is the proposed C-DAC centre to be located?
The proposed C-DAC centre is to be located at Gangadhar Meher University in Sambalpur.
What is the purpose of the C-DAC centre request according to Pradhan?
Pradhan said the centre would boost research in data analytics, cloud infrastructure and AI, develop skilled manpower in AI, cybersecurity, Indian language technologies and digital solutions, and foster innovation and technology-led entrepreneurship.
Why does Pradhan want the STPI centre expanded?
He wants it expanded to develop it into a future-ready IT, ESDM and innovation hub, given the region’s potential in IT, semiconductor design and digital infrastructure and the growing opportunities in those sectors.
What benefits does Pradhan cite for an expanded STPI facility?
He said it could promote technology companies, startups, incubation, skill development and innovation, and create high-quality jobs in semiconductor design, AI, IT and Global Capability Centres for Odisha’s youths.
When was the report published?
The report was published on 31 August 2026 at 3:39 am by The New Indian Express.
Debraj Meher
District Correspondent, Sambalpur
Debraj Meher reports on Sambalpur district's civic affairs, the Hirakud dam command area, and the region's handloom economy. He has been the Mirror's Sambalpur correspondent since 2021.
View all articles by Debraj →
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