Bhubaneswar has taken a giant leap towards becoming a technology powerhouse with the foundation stone laid for a cutting-edge silicon carbide (SiC) semiconductor production plant. This monumental project, a key part of the ambitious India Semiconductor Mission, represents an investment of ₹2,067 crore and was inaugurated on Saturday, November 1, 2025.
The facility will be established by SiCSem Private Limited, a proud subsidiary of Archean Chemical Industries Limited. This integrated manufacturing unit is slated to commence operations by 2027-28.
Upon completion, the plant boasts an impressive annual capacity: it will be able to process 60,000 SiC wafers and package approximately 96 million units. These advanced semiconductor components are vital for fortifying India’s technological independence, crucial for sectors ranging from electric vehicles and railways to data centers, renewable energy solutions, smart grid systems, and industrial automation.
Beyond its technological impact, the project is a significant job creator, expected to generate over 1,000 direct employment opportunities and many thousands more indirectly.
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi highlighted the transformative potential during the ceremony. “This initiative will firmly establish Odisha as a pivotal center for semiconductor and electronics manufacturing,” he stated. “The central government’s unwavering support and the India Semiconductor Mission have been instrumental in attracting this world-class investment, bringing with it advanced technology and valuable job prospects to our state.”
Union Information Technology Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw also graced the foundation-laying event, emphasizing the collaborative spirit.
“Today, our vision of bringing advanced technology to Odisha is becoming a reality,” Mr. Vaishnaw remarked, adding, “We are particularly focused on seamlessly integrating industry and academia.”
Further demonstrating this commitment, SiCSem Private Limited is also setting up a ₹64 crore Research and Innovation Centre at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bhubaneswar. Complementing this, Minister Vaishnaw has allocated ₹5 crore from his MP Local Area Development fund to establish a ‘Namo Semiconductor Laboratory’ at IIT Bhubaneswar.
These strategic initiatives, including the planned Power Electronics Hub at IIT Bhubaneswar, are designed to cultivate a vibrant ecosystem of innovation, research, and skill development, propelling Odisha and India into a new era of technological advancement.