CM Naveen Patnaik Inaugurates Cognizant, Bhubaneswar Facility

Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Shri Naveen Patnaik inaugurated Cognizant’s new facility in Bhubaneswar on Sunday, marking a significant milestone for Odisha’s burgeoning IT landscape. Cognizant, a renowned US-based multinational valued at $19.4 billion, is globally recognized for its leading IT services. Addressing the audience, the Chief Minister emphasized Odisha’s evolution into a prime IT investment hub, fueled by a dynamic ecosystem fostering entrepreneurship and innovation.

Echoing these sentiments, Shri Tusharkanti Behera, Hon’ble Minister of State, highlighted Bhubaneswar’s rise as a global IT hotspot under Chief Minister Shri Naveen Patnaik’s leadership. The establishment of Cognizant’s center in Bhubaneswar underscores the state’s potential and its ability to attract top industries.

Ravi Kumar S, CEO of Cognizant and the first Odia CEO of a Fortune 200 company, expressed excitement about expanding to Tier II cities like Bhubaneswar, praising Odisha’s entrepreneurial spirit, robust infrastructure, and talented workforce. He commended the government’s support in facilitating the center’s establishment.

Spanning 52,000 sq ft, Cognizant’s new center in Bhubaneswar is designed for 1,000 associates, with plans for expansion to accommodate over 5,000 associates within two years. The facility will focus on cutting-edge technologies such as AI, ML, IoT, and digital engineering, supported by Cognizant’s renowned learning and development program.

Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Shri Naveen Patnaik inaugurated Cognizant's new facility in Bhubaneswar on Sunday

The Electronics and IT Department of the Odisha government has been instrumental in attracting major investments in the IT/ITES & ESDM sectors, with recent establishments by global giants like IBM, PWC, and Infosys BPM.

The inauguration ceremony witnessed the presence of key dignitaries including Mr. V.K. Pandian, Shri Tusharkanti Behera, Shri Manoj Mishra, Shri Manas Panda, Shri Ravi Kumar S, and Rajesh Nambiar, along with senior leadership and associates of Cognizant.

As Bhubaneswar emerges as a thriving hub for global IT services, Cognizant’s presence promises to create ample employment opportunities for youth and propel the state’s IT industry and economy forward.