NaMo Semiconductor Laboratory at IIT Bhubaneswar Set to Power India’s Chip Revolution

In a strategic move to strengthen India’s semiconductor ecosystem, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has greenlit the establishment of the NaMo Semiconductor Laboratory at IIT Bhubaneswar.

Funded under the MPLAD scheme with an allocation of Rs 4.95 crore, the lab is poised to become a national hub for chip design, fabrication, and innovation.

Equipped with cutting-edge hardware worth Rs 4.6 crore and specialised software valued at Rs 35 lakh, the facility will offer hands-on training to students and researchers, aligning with the ‘Make in India’ and ‘Design in India’ missions.

The initiative aims to harness India’s existing strength—20% of global chip design talent—and expand it through academic-industry collaboration.

IIT Bhubaneswar was chosen for its robust infrastructure, including cleanroom facilities and the Silicon Carbide Research and Innovation Centre (SiCRIC).

Odisha’s recent approvals for SiC-based semiconductor and 3D glass packaging projects further reinforce the state’s emerging role in chip manufacturing.

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi welcomed the move, expressing confidence that the lab will inspire youth, accelerate research, and elevate Odisha’s global standing in semiconductor innovation.

This development marks a significant milestone in India’s journey toward self-reliance in high-tech manufacturing, positioning the nation as a formidable player in global chip supply chains.