Dharmendra Pradhan Pushes for C‑DAC Hub and STPI Expansion in Sambalpur

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has urged Union IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to establish a Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C‑DAC) regional hub at Gangadhar Meher University (GMU), Sambalpur.

The proposed centre would focus on cutting‑edge research in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data analytics, and cloud infrastructure, creating new opportunities for students and researchers in western Odisha.

Pradhan also requested the expansion of the Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) facility in Sambalpur, with emphasis on semiconductor design, AI, and IT.

He highlighted that these initiatives would strengthen the region’s startup ecosystem, boost skill development, and generate high‑quality jobs.

According to Pradhan, the twin proposals would not only attract technology‑driven investments to western Odisha but also contribute to India’s larger vision of becoming a global technology hub.