Bhubaneswar: The groundbreaking ceremony for the India’s first Silicon Carbide manufacturing facility to be set up by RIR Power Electronics Ltd., a leader in India’s semiconductor power electronics technology arena, was held today at the EMC Park, Infovalley, Bhubaneswar. This development places India and the state of Odisha squarely at the forefront of the global power electronics market.
The event was graced by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Principal Secretary Industries Department Hemant Sharma, Principal Secretary Electronics and Information Technology Department Vishal Dev, Special Secretary Electronics and Information Technology Department Manas Ranjan Panda, Director IIT Bhubaneswar Prof. Shreepad Karmalkar, Promoter of RIR Power Electronics Ltd. Dr. Harshad Mehta, Chairperson RIR Power Electronics Ltd. Bhavna H Mehta along with senior officials from Govt. of Odisha and RIR Power Electronics Ltd.
RIR’s products are sold internationally, across North America, Europe and Asia for use in sectors such as Railway, Defence, Power, Transportation, Aerospace and Sustainable Energy. RIR Power Electronics Ltd. has invested heavily in cutting-edge technology, skilled manpower, and sustainable practices to ensure that the facility adheres to global standards of manufacturing excellence. This project is expected to contribute significantly to India’s mission of becoming a self-reliant hub for semiconductor production.
The opening of this state-of-the-art facility with a total investment of approx. INR 620 crores over three years marks a significant step for Odisha’s entry into the power electronics industry. This facility will create over 500 new jobs across various levels ranging from Research and Development to factory operations, providing large-scale employment opportunities. It will enhance Bhubaneswar’s industrial landscape by implementing best practices in Sustainable Energy, and fostering the development of advanced technologies while building a skilled and diverse workforce.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said, “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 not only create state-of-the-art products but also open up a wealth of opportunities for our talented youth, providing them with avenues to work at the cutting edge of technology right here in Odisha. The facility will attract skilled professionals, foster local innovation, drive economic growth, and further solidify Odisha’s position as one of India’s most promising destinations for electronics and semiconductor manufacturing.”
As India embarks on its journey of developing an indigenous semiconductor ecosystem, Odisha has positioned itself firmly behind this national objective. It is one of the few states in India that have introduced a dedicated Semiconductor Policy. This unique and forward-looking policy provides incentives not only to fabrication units but also to semiconductor design and supply chain units spanning all segments of the semiconductor value chain.
In addition to the Semiconductor Policy, Odisha’s flagship O-Chip Program stands out as a one-of-a-kind initiative that provides comprehensive support to semiconductor design startups, companies, and academic institutions. The program will provide companies with access to EDA tools and IPs, market connect, mentorship and training by technical experts, along with a range of other ancillary support. Academic institutions will also be provided research grants for industry relevant research in semiconductor design.
Apart from RIR Power Electronics Ltd., Odisha has received several other investment proposals in semiconductor and related fields for establishment of new facilities in Bhubaneswar. RIR is also in the process of tying up with IIT, Bhubaneswar for Technical and Research collaboration.