Raipur, November 10, 2026: Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai today laid the foundation stone for a ‘Centre of Excellence for Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Engineering and Technology’ at the National Institute of Technology (NIT) campus in Raipur. The project is being established at a cost of Rs 88.76 crore.
Equipped with state-of-the-art technologies, research facilities, and startup incubation support, this centre will provide young talent in the state with the opportunity to transform their innovative ideas into successful enterprises.
To be constructed on approximately 6,525 square metres within the NIT Raipur campus, the Centre of Excellence will have a total built-up area of about 12,307 square metres. The building, comprising a basement, a ground floor, and six additional floors, will house seven cutting-edge laboratories dedicated to emerging technologies.
These laboratories will focus on the following areas: 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.
Addressing the foundation stone laying ceremony, the Chief Minister stated that there is no shortage of talent or potential among the youth of Chhattisgarh. What they need is access to the right opportunities, modern resources, and proper guidance.
Our government is fostering an environment where the youth do not need to migrate to metropolitan cities to realize their dreams; instead, they can pursue new innovations, establish industries, and create employment opportunities for others right here in Chhattisgarh, Sai said.
He stated that the youth, empowered by technology and innovation, will play a decisive role in realizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a Self-Reliant India and a Developed India.
Sai remarked that the ‘Centre of Excellence’ for which the foundation stone was laid today is not merely a state-of-the-art building; it will serve as a hub to fulfill the aspirations and unlock the potential of Chhattisgarh’s new generation. Students will have access to the facilities required to conduct research on their ideas, develop technical solutions, build prototypes, and transform them into commercially viable ventures. This will strengthen the startup ecosystem in the state and facilitate the development of new technologies tailored to the needs of the industry.
It is noteworthy that the Motilal Oswal Foundation is contributing over Rs 71 crore toward this project, which has a total outlay of approximately Rs 88.76 crore.
During the event, Sai examined various startups and technical models developed by students from NIT Raipur. Engaging warmly with the students, he inquired about the functionality, utility, and future potential of their innovations.
The students presented innovative technical solutions, including an AI-based waste management system, home delivery services for medicines, a method for detecting defects in industrial equipment and metals, and a road safety initiative integrated into helmets.
Commending the students, the Chief Minister emphasized that the true value of technology lies in its ability to make the lives of ordinary people better, safer, and more convenient. It is highly encouraging to see our youth identifying societal challenges and developing solutions for them. He urged the students not to limit their innovations to academic projects, but to evolve them into successful startups and enterprises, assuring them that the state government would provide all possible support.
