Raipur: Chhattisgarh is rapidly establishing itself as a significant player not only in natural resources but also in knowledge, technology, and innovation sectors. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai said the state government aims to make Chhattisgarh a major hub for technological innovation and entrepreneurship.
Speaking at the occasion of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the Electronics & Information Technology Department, Government of Chhattisgarh and the Software Technology Parks of India (STPI), the Chief Minister described the agreement as a major step in strengthening the state’s tech ecosystem.
MoU to Promote Start-ups and Technological Development
Under this MoU, Chhattisgarh will establish:
- Center of Entrepreneurship (CoE) – to promote start-ups and innovation in Artificial Intelligence, MedTech using forest and medicinal products, Smart City solutions, and Smart Agriculture.
- Electronics System Design & Development (ESDD) Center – to support 30-40 hardware start-ups and MSMEs annually with product design, prototyping, skill development, and capacity-building facilities.
CM Vishnu Deo Sai highlighted that these initiatives will retain talented youth within the state, reducing migration to metro cities while creating new local employment opportunities.
Read also: Chhattisgarh Nears Naxal-Free Status, Amit Shah Reviews Security and Development Initiatives
STPI Partnership Strengthens State’s Start-up Ecosystem
The Chief Minister emphasized that collaboration with STPI, which has 68 centers and 24 sector-specific Centers of Entrepreneurship across India, will provide mentorship, incubation, funding, and access to state-of-the-art laboratories for local innovators.
“This partnership is crucial for nurturing Chhattisgarh’s start-up ecosystem, enabling the youth to access world-class facilities without leaving the state,” CM Sai said.
Economic and Digital Impact
The CM expressed confidence that this initiative would be a milestone in the state’s economic growth, positioning Chhattisgarh as a nationally recognized center for digital innovation, technological entrepreneurship, and start-up development. He noted that the modern infrastructure, investor-friendly policies, and robust e-governance system make Chhattisgarh a reliable and attractive destination for IT, ITES, and emerging technology industries.
Senior Officials Present at the Event
The signing ceremony was attended by key officials, including:
- Subodh Kumar Singh, Principal Secretary
- Ankit Anand, Secretary of Electronics & Information Technology Department
- Ravi Verma, Director of STPI
- Prabhat Malik, CEO of CHiPS
- Other senior government officers
The MoU is expected to create a thriving innovation ecosystem, enhance entrepreneurial activities, and strengthen Chhattisgarh’s position as a hub for technological progress and start-ups in India.
