- The center will be equipped with seven state-of-the-art laboratories including AI, robotics, and cyber security, which will give new momentum to research and entrepreneurship.
- The Chief Minister observed the students’ technical innovations and said, “Our youth should not only be employment seekers but also employment providers.”
- Provision of Rs 500-500 crore for Startup and Nipun Mission and Chief Minister AI Mission will give youth opportunities in new technologies.
Today an important chapter was added towards giving new heights to technical education, innovation and entrepreneurship in Chhattisgarh. Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai laid the foundation stone of Smt. Mithilesh Aggarwal Center of Excellence for Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Engineering and Technology to be built at a cost of Rs 88 crore 76 lakh in the campus of National Institute of Technology (NIT) located in the capital Raipur. Equipped with state-of-the-art technologies, research facilities and startup incubation, it will provide young talents of the central state an opportunity to convert their innovative ideas into successful enterprises.
While addressing the foundation stone laying ceremony, Chief Minister Shri Sai said that there is no dearth of talent and potential among the youth of Chhattisgarh. There is a need to provide them the right opportunities, modern resources and proper guidance. Our government is developing such an environment where the youth do not have to go to metros to realize their dreams; instead, they can make new inventions, establish industries and create employment opportunities for others in Chhattisgarh itself. He said that youth power, technology and innovation will play a decisive role in realizing Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s resolve of a self-reliant India and a developed India.
The Chief Minister said that the foundation stone of the Center of Excellence laid today will not only be a state-of-the-art building but will also become a center for realizing the aspirations and possibilities of the new generation of Chhattisgarh. Here, students will have the necessary facilities to research their ideas, develop technical solutions, prepare prototypes and give them a commercial shape. This will strengthen the startup culture in the state and it will also be possible to develop new technologies as per the needs of the industries.
On this occasion, Chief Minister Shri Sai specially congratulated the son of Chhattisgarh and renowned entrepreneur Shri Ramdev Aggarwal. He said that Shri Ramdev Aggarwal, coming from the land of Chhattisgarh, has created a unique identity in the industry and financial world of the country on the basis of his talent, hard work and foresight. Today they are doing a commendable job of spreading the benefits of their success to the society and future generations.
The Chief Minister said that by taking the pledge to establish this institute in the memory of his mother, Mrs. Mithilesh Aggarwal, he has set an exemplary example of motherly devotion, gratitude and social service. In our Indian tradition, education has been given the highest place, because education gives a person the power to become self-reliant throughout his life. In Chhattisgarh, philanthropists like Dau Kalyan Singh and Seth Kirori Mal have made important contributions to the development of the society. Taking this tradition forward, this effort of Shri Ramdev Aggarwal will become an inspiration for the coming generations.
It is noteworthy that in this project worth about Rs 88.76 crore, Motilal Oswal Foundation is contributing more than Rs 71 crore.
- Glimpse of future Chhattisgarh seen in innovations of students
During the program, Chief Minister Shri Sai observed various startups and technological models developed by the students of NIT Raipur. While having an intimate conversation with the students, he inquired about the functioning, utility and future possibilities of their innovations.
Students presented innovative technological solutions like artificial intelligence based waste management, home delivery of medicines, fault detection in industrial equipment and metals and ensuring road safety through helmets.
Praising the students, the Chief Minister said that technology has real significance only when it makes the lives of common people better, safer and convenient. It is extremely encouraging that our youth are understanding the problems of the society and finding solutions to them. He called upon the students to not limit their innovations to just academic projects but turn them into successful startups and enterprises. The state government will provide them all possible support.
- Chhattisgarh’s participation in the future economy is increasing with semiconductor, AI and data centers.
Chief Minister Shri Sai said that Chhattisgarh is now creating its new identity in the field of emerging technologies along with mineral wealth and traditional industries. Work is being done towards setting up semiconductor units in the state and AI Data Center Park is being developed. A strong foundation is being laid for future industries in Nava Raipur through modern infrastructure, better connectivity and investment-friendly environment.
He said that prestigious institutions like NIT Raipur, IIT Bhilai, IIM Raipur and IIIT are the big strength of the state. these institutes New possibilities for development can be created in Chhattisgarh by linking academic and research capabilities with industries and entrepreneurship.
Startups and the AI Mission to Give a New Boost to the Youth
Chief Minister Shri Sai stated that the state government has allocated ₹500 crore for the ‘Chief Minister’s Startup and Nipun (Skill) Mission.’ Through this initiative, efforts are underway to provide the youth with the necessary guidance, capital, and other facilities to establish their own enterprises. Furthermore, steps are being taken to set up entrepreneurship development centers and laboratories for new technologies in every district of the state.
The Chief Minister mentioned that a decision has been made to invest ₹500 crore in the ‘Chief Minister’s AI Mission’—one of the five key missions launched by the state government. Under this, work is in progress to establish 100 AI data labs and five Centers of Excellence.
He emphasized that opportunities for technological advancement should not be confined to large cities alone. It is a priority to ensure that modern education, technology, and skill development facilities reach the youth in the state’s remote and tribal regions, including Bastar and Surguja. With this objective, skill development initiatives have been launched in collaboration with institutions like Pan-IIT.
Youth Should Become Job Creators, Not Just Job Seekers
Addressing the students, Chief Minister Shri Sai pointed to the inspiring example of successful entrepreneurs like Shri Ramdeo Agrawal. Through his hard work and talent, he achieved success and is now fulfilling his responsibilities toward society and his motherland.
The Chief Minister urged the youth to dream big and work consistently to turn those dreams into reality. When a young person establishes an enterprise, they not only shape their own future but also become a source of livelihood and prosperity for many other families. The true purpose of education is not merely to obtain a degree, but to use the knowledge and skills acquired to develop meaningful solutions for society. He expressed confidence that the Smt. Mithilesh Agrawal Centre of Excellence would play a pivotal role in establishing Chhattisgarh as a prominent hub for innovation, research, and entrepreneurship in the coming years.
- The Centre of Excellence will feature seven state-of-the-art laboratories.
To be constructed on a plot of approximately 6,525 square meters within the NIT Raipur campus, the Centre of Excellence will have a total built-up area of about 12,307 square meters. The building—comprising a basement, a ground floor, and six additional floors—will house seven state-of-the-art laboratories dedicated to emerging technologies.
These will include laboratories for Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning; Robotics and Automation; Data Analytics and Computing; Blockchain and Cybersecurity; 3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing; AR-VR and the Internet of Things (IoT); and Cleantech and Sustainability.
The centre will also feature startup incubation and co-working spaces, smart classrooms, conference halls, exhibition areas, an amphitheatre, and residential facilities. Aspiring entrepreneurs will have access to expert mentorship, facilities for prototype development, and opportunities to connect with investors, banks, and government schemes. Furthermore, students from engineering colleges, polytechnic institutes, and ITIs, as well as working professionals, will be able to benefit from training and skill-development opportunities.
Chief Minister Shri Sai extended his congratulations and best wishes to Shri Ramdev Agrawal (of the Motilal Oswal Foundation), Dr. Suresh Havare (Chairman of NIT Raipur), Director Dr. N. V. Ramana Rao, and the entire team at the institute for this significant initiative. He remarked that this convergence of education, technology, and entrepreneurship would prove to be a crucial milestone in the creation of a developed Chhattisgarh.