New Delhi: Union Minister for Electronics & Information Technology, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, visited the Odisha Pavilion at the India AI Impact Expo 2026, where he commended the state’s proactive stance in the artificial intelligence sector. Speaking at the Bharat Mandapam, the Minister highlighted that the solutions showcased by Odisha are poised to bring a positive and tangible change for its citizens.
Shri Vaishnaw noted the significant presence of Odisha at the summit, emphasizing that the state has emerged as an early mover in the national AI landscape. He lauded the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Majhi, stating that the state’s progress in building a secure and sovereign AI ecosystem is a testament to the Chief Minister’s commitment to technology-driven governance.
The Odisha Pavilion, which operates under the theme “Odisha – From AI to Impact,” is a strategic initiative conceptualized by Shri Vishal Dev, Additional Chief Secretary for Energy and E&IT. The pavilion serves as a showcase for real-world AI applications that have moved from pilot stages to scalable deployments. These include population-scale AI solutions in the Odia language, developed in collaboration with partners like Sarvam AI to ensure inclusivity for rural and tribal communities.
Exhibits at the pavilion feature more than 10 innovation startups and various government-linked initiatives. These projects focus on sectors such as agriculture, where AI is used for pest outbreak prediction; healthcare, through AI-driven telemedicine; and education. Shri Vaishnaw remarked that the systematic integration of AI into public service delivery in Odisha, including the use of AI-powered chatbots like ‘SushasanSah’AI’yak’ for government efficiency, sets a strong example for other states.
The Minister’s visit underscores Odisha’s position as a frontrunner in the IndiaAI Mission, aligning state-level innovation with national goals for inclusive and responsible AI development.