EPIC Foundation Signs MoU with Odisha Govt to Design and Manufacture Electrical Products

Bhubaneshwar, India –EPIC Foundation, a not-for-profit organization founded by HCL founders Dr Ajai Chowdhry and Arjun Malhotra as well as semiconductor industry veteran Dr Satya Gupta, has inked a MoU with the Odisha Government to design and manufacture world-class electronic devices in the state. The collaboration is another key step toward EPIC foundation’s commitment to developing a self-reliant Electronics Product nation. The Foundation, in collaboration with diverse stakeholders from industry, government, and academia, will endeavor to accelerate the expansion of the state’s electronics and semiconductor ecosystem, with the long-term goal of transforming Odisha into an ESDM hub.

EPIC Foundation will work with the Government of Odisha to create design, manufacturing, distribution, and service companies in the state to meet the local, national, and global demand for these products, maintaining their commitment to revitalize India’s electronics industry by creating Indian electronics products of national importance. The initial product line planned for collaboration will comprise the manufacturing of an Indian Tablet PC of global standard to meet the growing demand for such devices in the education and healthcare sectors. Indoor and outdoor Wi-Fi access points, smart cameras, smart meters, mobile devices, and EV chargers are among the other goods in the portfolio. All EPIC Foundation and partner electronic goods are repairable and upgradeable and will adhere to the R-Cube technique (Reuse, Repair, Recycle), making them essentially environmentally benign and long-lasting.

As part of the ongoing engagement, EPIC Foundation will work with the Odisha Government and the Odisha Skill Development Authority to train individuals, particularly women and people from small towns and underprivileged communities, in the manufacturing, repair, and servicing of electronic items.

Odisha is making rapid development in the ESDM space, despite its modest origins. The MIO Conclave 2022, which was recently held in Bhubaneswar, was a testament to the state’s proactive policies and progressive leadership, as it saw a remarkable number of key collaborations between the State Government and some of the most notable industry players and groups. This collaboration between the Government of Odisha and the EPIC Foundation has the potential to boost not only the ESDM business but also the state’s overall socio-economic development and bridge the digital gap.

Acknowledging the support of Government and industry in making this collaboration a reality, Dr Ajai Chowdhry, Chairman, EPIC Foundation, said, “We have always envisaged Odisha as a state that has high potential for excelling in the Electronics and Semiconductor industry. We truly believe that our concerted efforts can be instrumental in building supporting design infrastructure, generating employment, and manufacturing high-impact products within the state itself, which can pave the way forward for overall development and world-class performance in the Electronics sector of the state. We are very excited to work with the progressive government of Odisha and are confident that these joint efforts will help achieve the dream of Hon’ble CM Naveen Patnaik of achieving a US$1 trillion dollar economy for the state of Odisha.”

In light of this, Dr Satya Gupta, CEO, EPIC Foundation, commented, “Creating Electronic products with indigenous design in Odisha is part of our larger dream of bringing back the lost glory of Indian Electronics and Semiconductor space, and it is very heartening to receive overwhelming support from the Odisha Government by helping us move in that direction. Electronics product design and manufacturing in the state is not only intended to develop cutting-edge products and create equitable access for all, including the underdeveloped community and differently abled citizens, but will also play a pivotal role in social empowerment. We are confident that we will achieve our dream of making Odisha the Technology Gateway of the East by working closely with industry, academia, and government in the state.”

Image Source: EPIC Foundation