Sambalpur, Aug 30: Lok Sabha MP and former Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has urged Union Minister for Electronics and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw to establish a regional centre of the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) at Gangadhar Meher University in Sambalpur and expand the existing Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) centre in the city.

Pradhan made the request in a letter to Vaishnaw on Saturday, highlighting the potential of the initiatives to strengthen Sambalpur’s emerging technology and innovation ecosystem.

According to Pradhan, a C-DAC regional centre at Gangadhar Meher University could promote research and development in advanced technology areas such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data analytics and cloud infrastructure.

It would also provide students, researchers and academic institutions in western Odisha with greater opportunities to participate in cutting-edge technological research and innovation.

Pradhan further sought the expansion of the STPI centre in Sambalpur, with a particular focus on semiconductor design, artificial intelligence and information technology.

He said the move could help create a stronger ecosystem for startups, innovation and technology-driven skill development in the region.

“Such an initiative could create high-quality employment opportunities for the youth of Odisha while strengthening the state's capabilities in emerging technology sectors. It would also help promote entrepreneurship and attract technology-driven investments to western Odisha,” Pradhan said in his letter.

The proposed C-DAC centre and expansion of the STPI facility are expected to further strengthen Sambalpur’s digital and technology ecosystem, while supporting Odisha’s broader ambitions in the technology sector.