In a major step toward becoming a leader in the global technology landscape, the Government of Odisha has announced a landmark partnership with OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT. The collaboration aims to strengthen Artificial Intelligence (AI) capacity-building across the state, focusing on training students and government officials while developing locally relevant AI solutions in the Odia language.
Empowering the Next Generation
A central pillar of this partnership is the empowerment of the state’s youth. OpenAI will deliver structured online training programs specifically designed for college students across Odisha. This initiative is intended to bridge the skills gap, ensuring that students are not just consumers of AI but are equipped to build and innovate using these tools.
By providing access to cutting-edge AI knowledge, the state government aims to improve the employability of its graduates and foster an ecosystem of tech-driven entrepreneurship.
Transforming Governance
The partnership also extends to the administrative level. OpenAI will conduct specialized training sessions for state-level government officials. These sessions will focus on:
Practical Understanding: Mastering AI tools to streamline administrative tasks.
Productivity Use Cases: Implementing AI to speed up service delivery and public administration.
Responsible AI: Ensuring ethical and safe adoption of technology in governance.
To support this transformation, OpenAI is providing API credits for its core models. This will allow the state’s Electronics and Information Technology (E&IT) Department to develop pilot applications, such as an AI-powered “Government Productivity Co-pilot” to assist officials in their daily operations.
Localized Innovation: The Odia Context
Recognizing that technology must be accessible to be effective, the collaboration will prioritize the development of Odia language use cases. This ensures that AI applications are grounded in the local context, making digital services more inclusive for citizens who primarily speak the regional language.
Leadership Perspectives
Manas Panda, Special Secretary of the E&IT Department, highlighted the state’s vision: “Odisha is focused on building future-ready digital capabilities. Our collaboration with OpenAI will help scale AI awareness and skills among students and government officials.”
Pragya Misra, Head of Strategy and Global Affairs for OpenAI India, added: “For AI to truly deliver public value, it must be accessible, practical, and grounded in local context. Our work with the Odisha government will focus on building AI capabilities at scale.”
Alignment with National Goals
This initiative was announced during the Regional AI Impact Conference in Bhubaneswar, serving as a precursor to the national IndiaAI Impact Summit 2026. The partnership aligns with the Government of India’s IndiaAI Mission, positioning Odisha as a pioneer in adopting responsible and citizen-centric digital public infrastructure.
With this move, Odisha joins the ranks of forward-thinking global regions, leveraging AI to not only modernize its economy but also to redefine how the state serves its people.
