The groundbreaking ceremony for India's first Silicon Carbide manufacturing facility took place on Friday at the EMC Park in the Info Valley, Bhubaneswar. The unit is being established by RIR Power Electronics Ltd, a leader in semiconductor power electronics technology in India. According to the Chief Minister's Office, the launch of this state-of-the-art facility, with an investment of around Rs 6.2 billion over three years, represents a major milestone in Odisha's entry into the power electronics sector. The facility is expected to create over 500 new jobs across various levels, from R&D to factory operations, offering significant employment opportunities. It was noted that the facility will enhance Bhubaneswar's industrial landscape by adopting best practices, promoting sustainable energy, and fostering the development of advanced technologies, while also building a skilled and diverse workforce. The Chief Minister highlighted the establishment of the facility as a key step in Odisha's aim to become a leading semiconductor hub in India. He remarked that the new facility would not only produce state-of-the-art products but also provide numerous opportunities for talented young people in the state, allowing them to work with cutting-edge technology. The Chief Minister further commented that the facility would attract skilled professionals, encourage local innovation, drive economic growth, and reinforce Odisha's position as a leading destination for electronics and semiconductor manufacturing in India. Odisha is one of the few states to have introduced a dedicated Semiconductor Policy, which provides incentives not only to fabrication units but also to semiconductor design and supply chain segments across the entire value chain. The state's flagship O-Chip Program is also a unique initiative that offers comprehensive support to semiconductor design startups, companies, and academic institutions. This program provides access to EDA tools, IPs, market connections, mentorship, and training, along with ancillary support, while academic institutions benefit from research grants for industry-relevant research in semiconductor design. In addition to RIR Power Electronics Ltd., Odisha has received several other investment proposals in semiconductor and related fields for the establishment of new facilities in Bhubaneswar. RIR is also in discussions with IIT Bhubaneswar for technical and research collaboration.