Sambalpur, Jan 25: With the support of the Odisha government, a state-of-the-art Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) lab will soon be established at the Sambalpur University campus, informed Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan today.
Pradhan described this initiative as not just a foundation, but a major milestone for education and research in Odisha.
Minister Pradhan inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for various development projects worth approximately ₹175 crore at Sambalpur University and the Sambalpur University Institute of Information Technology (SUIT) on the campus.
He highlighted that these projects, launched on the occasion of the university’s 59th anniversary, will contribute significantly to the holistic development of the institution.
Speaking on the university’s achievements, Minister Pradhan noted that under the National Education Policy, the National Research Foundation (NRF) has been designed to provide grants to eligible institutions for research. For the first time, Sambalpur University, in collaboration with NIT Rourkela, has received a research fund of ₹13 crore, marking a significant achievement. In addition, 14 new patents will soon be launched, along with the introduction of new academic programs.
AI and quantum computing have become fundamental to modern knowledge, said Minister Pradhan as he emphasized that AI will be an important subject for students, whether in history, physics, or other disciplines.
He noted that in the coming days, AI and ML will enhance the prestige of Sambalpur University.
Minister Pradhan also highlighted that Sambalpur, along with institutions like Gangadhar Meher University, Bhimsa, Visut, IIM Odisha, and Odisha Open University, will play a key role in transforming the region into a “knowledge-based economy” hub.
He stressed that students should be encouraged not just to seek employment but also to become wealth creators and entrepreneurs. Sambalpur University is expected to play a critical role in this transformation.
