Chhattisgarh News: The state government has taken a big step to promote technical education, employment and startups in Chhattisgarh. Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai laid the foundation stone of Smt. Mithilesh Aggarwal Center of Excellence for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at the National Institute of Technology (NIT) campus in Raipur on November 10, 2026. About Rs 88.76 crore will be spent on this project. Its objective is to provide better facilities to the youth for modern technology, research and starting business, so that they can convert their ideas into successful startups.
Center will be built in memory of mother, big contribution of Ramdev Aggarwal
This center is being built in the memory of Mrs. Mithilesh Agarwal, mother of famous entrepreneur Ramdev Agarwal. Motilal Oswal Foundation is contributing more than Rs 71 crore for this project. Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai praised this initiative and said that it will not just be a building but will become a medium to carry forward the dreams and talent of the youth of the state. He said that there is no lack of potential among the youth of Chhattisgarh, they only need to be given the right opportunities, resources and guidance.
There will be seven labs for AI, robotics and cyber security
This center will be constructed on approximately 6,525 square meter land. The total built up area of the building will be approximately 12,307 square meters. Basement, ground floor and six floors will be built in it. Seven modern laboratories related to artificial intelligence and machine learning, robotics and automation, data analytics, blockchain and cyber security, 3D printing, AR-VR and Internet of Things along with cleantech and environment will be established here.
Apart from this, incubation centre, co-working space, smart classroom, conference hall, exhibition area and training facilities will also be available for the startups. The youth will get guidance from experts and an opportunity to connect with investors, banks and government schemes to convert their project into a business.
Chief Minister was happy to see the technical models of the students
During the program, the Chief Minister inspected the technical models and startups prepared by the students of NIT Raipur. These included models related to AI based waste management, home delivery of medicines, fault identification in industrial machines and metals and road safety through helmets. The Chief Minister said that the real benefit of technology is only when it solves the problems of common people.
Rs 500 crore each for startup and AI missions
The Chief Minister said that the state government has made a provision of Rs 500 crore for the Chief Minister Startup and Nipun Mission. Along with this, a decision has also been taken to invest Rs 500 crore for the Chief Minister AI Mission. Under the AI Mission, work is being done to establish 100 AI Data Labs and five Centers of Excellence. There is also a plan to develop entrepreneurship development centers and new technology laboratories in all the districts of the state.
Emphasis on making youth employment providers instead of job seekers
The Chief Minister said that work is also being done on the development of semiconductor units and AI data center park in Chhattisgarh. New opportunities will be created by linking institutions like NIT Raipur, IIT Bhilai, IIM Raipur and IIIT with industries. Emphasis is being laid on providing technical education and skill development even to the youth of remote areas like Bastar and Surguja.
He asked the youth to not just aim at getting a job but also create employment for others by starting their own venture. The government believes that this center will help Chhattisgarh in getting a new identity in the field of technology, research and startup in the coming times.