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Odisha AI Data Centers is set to become a new hub for artificial intelligence (AI) with the establishment of AI data centers as part of the ambitious IndiaAI Mission. This initiative marks a pivotal moment in the state’s journey towards becoming a leader in technological innovation and digital infrastructure development.
Role of Odisha AI Data Centers in IndiaAI Mission
Odisha is stepping into the forefront of India’s AI revolution. The IndiaAI Mission, spearheaded by the Indian government, aims to develop a robust AI ecosystem across the nation, with Odisha playing a crucial role.
IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has revealed plans to establish AI data centers specifically in Odisha, highlighting the state’s strategic importance in this national endeavor. This move is not only aimed at strengthening India’s AI capabilities but also at fostering a self-reliant digital infrastructure.
Strategic Importance of Odisha for AI Development
Choosing Odisha for AI data centers is a strategic decision influenced by several factors. Firstly, Odisha is a power surplus state, which is crucial for the high energy demands of data centers. This surplus capacity means that Odisha can support the energy-intensive operations of AI data centers without straining its resources.
Secondly, the state’s conducive environment for investment, as highlighted by the Odisha State Data Centre Policy 2022, provides strategic initiatives, concessions, and facilitation that encourage investment in IT/ITeS/ESDM sectors, aiming to make Odisha the “Data Centre Hub” of India.
Details of the AI Data Center Projects
The development of these AI data centers is part of a broader initiative to create a Large Language Model (LLM) tailored for India’s unique needs. The India AI Compute Facility, which is powering this initiative, has secured 18,000 GPUs to support the computational requirements of developing such a model.
Investment and Infrastructure Development for Odisha AI Data Centers
The investment in these projects is substantial, reflecting the government’s commitment to transforming Odisha into a significant player in the AI domain. Various companies, including Yotta, Jio Platforms, Tata Communications, and others, are involved in providing the GPUs required for these data centers. This collaborative effort underscores the scale of the project and its importance in the national AI strategy.
In addition to AI, Odisha is also witnessing other large-scale infrastructure projects. For instance, under the Mega Food Parks Scheme, a project in Semela village is being developed with a total investment of Rs. 125.42 Crore, with significant grant-in-aid from the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI). Similarly, the Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL) is investing in a 15 million tonne per annum oil refinery in Paradeep with an investment of approximately Rs 30000 Crores, further showcasing Odisha’s growing prominence in industrial and technological projects.
Enhancing Odisha’s Digital Ecosystem Through Odisha AI Data Centers
The establishment of AI data centers is expected to catalyze research and development, innovation, and entrepreneurship in the IT sector within Odisha. The state government is committed to supporting this growth by facilitating robust and cost-effective connectivity backhaul, in collaboration with the Department of Telecommunications (DoT). This ecosystem development is aimed at attracting at least five medium to large-scale data centers in the next five years, positioning Odisha as a key player in India’s digital economy.
Impact on AI Adoption Across Sectors
The development of a native generative AI model through these data centers will have widespread implications. It promises enhanced data security, support for local languages, and better regulatory control over AI applications, which are critical for sectors like healthcare, governance, education, and financial services. By fostering localized AI applications, Odisha aims to contribute to making digital services more accessible and tailored to the Indian context.
