IBNS-CMEDIA: The Odisha government on Friday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with HCLTech for the establishment of an AI Data Centre and an AI and Digital Engineering Global Delivery Centre in the state.
The agreement was signed in the presence of Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Dr Mukesh Mahaling, Minister for Electronics & Information Technology, HCLTech Chairperson Roshni Nadar Malhotra, senior executives from HCLTech and Sarvam AI, and senior state government officials.
Under the agreement, HCLTech will invest approximately Rs 14,257 crore to establish an AI Data Centre within Odisha’s Sovereign AI Park in partnership with Sarvam AI.
Described as the first project of its kind in India, the AI Data Centre aims to provide secure, scalable and inclusive digital infrastructure for government agencies, research institutions, startups and enterprises.
The initiative is expected to position Odisha as a leading sovereign AI hub while strengthening India’s role in the global artificial intelligence ecosystem.
The investment also marks HCLTech’s entry into Odisha and represents the company’s first-ever investment in an AI Data Centre in India.
In addition, HCLTech will establish an AI and Digital Engineering Global Delivery Centre in Bhubaneswar in two phases.
The Global Delivery Centre is expected to create more than 5,000 highly skilled direct jobs, along with thousands of indirect employment opportunities across the technology and innovation ecosystem.
The facility will serve as a key delivery hub for digital transformation services, further strengthening Odisha’s position as a preferred destination for Global Capability Centres (GCCs), digital exports and AI-driven services.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said, “This partnership will strengthen Odisha’s position as one of India’s leading centres of technology, innovation and the knowledge economy.”
He also highlighted Odisha’s investment-friendly business environment, saying the state is well-prepared to attract landmark investments such as the HCLTech project.
The Chief Minister added that the government is committed to translating the vision of Purvodaya into reality through the swift execution of major investment announcements.
