Bhubaneswar: In a significant step forward for India’s semiconductor and power electronics industries, the groundbreaking ceremony for India’s first silicon carbide manufacturing facility was held today at the EMC Park in Infovalley, Bhubaneswar. This milestone project is being set up by RIR Power Electronics Limited, marking Odisha's emergence as a key player in the global power electronics market.
The event witnessed the presence of several dignitaries, including Odisha’s Chief Minister, Mohan Charan Majhi, along with Hemant Sharma, Principal Secretary of the Industry Department, Vishal Dev, Principal Secretary of the Electronics and Information Technology (E&IT) Department, Manas Panda, Special Secretary of the E&IT Department, and Prof. Shreepad Karmalkar, Director of IIT Bhubaneswar. RIR Power Electronics’ Promoters, Dr. Harshad Mehta and Chairperson Mrs. Bhavna H. Mehta, along with senior professionals from the company, were also present.
Pioneering India's Semiconductor Growth
This state-of-the-art facility, backed by a substantial investment of Rs 620 crore over the next three years, is expected to be a game-changer for India’s semiconductor sector. By focusing on cutting-edge technology and sustainable manufacturing practices, RIR Power Electronics Ltd. aims to contribute significantly to India’s vision of becoming a self-reliant hub for semiconductor production.
The Chief Minister, in his address at the event, highlighted the importance of this facility in furthering Odisha’s ambition to become a leading semiconductor hub in the country. He emphasized that the new facility would not only manufacture advanced products but also generate numerous employment opportunities for the state’s youth, allowing them to work at the forefront of technology without leaving Odisha. He also underscored the impact this would have on Odisha’s economic growth, local innovation, and the overall industrial landscape of Bhubaneswar.
“The establishment of RIR Power Electronics Ltd.’s facility is another notable step in our ongoing journey to make Odisha a leading semiconductor hub in India. This new facility will create state-of-the-art products and also open up a wealth of opportunities for our youth,” said Chief Minister Majhi.
Transforming Odisha's Industrial Landscape
The RIR facility is expected to create over 500 jobs across various sectors, ranging from research and development to factory operations. This initiative is poised to uplift Odisha's industrial ecosystem by fostering the development of advanced technologies, promoting sustainable energy, and building a skilled and diverse workforce. The facility will also adopt global best practices to ensure manufacturing excellence.
RIR Power Electronics Ltd. has already established a strong international presence, with its products being sold across North America, Europe, and Asia. These products cater to various critical sectors such as Railway, Defence, Power, Transportation, Aerospace, and Sustainable Energy. This new facility is seen as a crucial move to further enhance their global competitiveness.
Odisha's Push Towards Semiconductor Excellence
Odisha’s commitment to becoming a semiconductor leader is further reinforced by its forward-looking Semiconductor Policy, which is one of the few dedicated state-level policies in India. The policy provides a wide range of incentives to not just fabrication units, but also to semiconductor design and supply chain units, covering all segments of the semiconductor value chain.
The state’s flagship O-Chip programme has also gained attention as a unique initiative that offers comprehensive support to semiconductor design startups, companies, and academic institutions. This programme provides access to Electronic Design Automation (EDA) tools, IPs, mentorship from industry experts, and research grants, ensuring that startups and academic institutions have the resources to thrive in the semiconductor sector.
In addition to RIR Power Electronics Ltd., several other companies have proposed investments in semiconductor and related fields, positioning Bhubaneswar as a promising destination for future technology investments. RIR is also in the process of establishing a technical and research collaboration with IIT Bhubaneswar, further cementing the state’s role in driving innovation in the semiconductor sector.
With the establishment of the RIR silicon carbide manufacturing facility, Odisha has firmly positioned itself at the forefront of India’s indigenous semiconductor ecosystem, playing a crucial role in the nation’s mission to reduce its dependence on semiconductor imports and become a global semiconductor powerhouse.