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Raipur is gearing up for a big leap in innovation and skill development. The Chhattisgarh
government has joined hands with IIM Raipur, NIT Raipur, and the Motilal Oswal Foundation to
set up a state-of-the-art Entrepreneurship Centre in the capital. The MoU for this ambitious
project was signed in the presence of Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, marking the beginning of a
new chapter in the state’s growth story.
The construction of the centre will begin in 2025-26, with full operations planned by 2027-28.
Named the Shrimati Mithilesh Agrawal Centre for Innovation and Excellence in Entrepreneurship, the facility will not just cater to students from IIM and NIT, but also open its doors to young dreamers and innovators from across Chhattisgarh.
“Innovation will reach every village” – CM Vishnu Deo Sai
Speaking at the event, CM Sai said the initiative aligns with the Chhattisgarh Anjor Vision, aimed at empowering youth with world-class education, skill training, and opportunities. He added that the state is ready to move beyond its reliance on natural resources and step into cutting-edge fields like semiconductors, AI, aerospace, defence, pharmaceuticals, and green hydrogen.
“Innovation will not remain limited to cities—it will reach villages, touch every youth, and inspire
them to transform their lives,” he said, urging industries to join hands in this movement.
Big Push from Motilal Oswal Foundation
The Motilal Oswal Foundation has pledged a massive ₹172 crore contribution towards the project—₹101 crore to IIM Raipur and ₹71 crore to NIT Raipur. This funding will support
- A modern 202-room Oswal Hostel and Dau Ram Gopal Agrawal Knowledge
Centre at IIM Raipur. - Six new international MBA programs in collaboration with top global
universities. - A dedicated Centre of Excellence at NIT Raipur, focused on AI, Robotics,
IoT, Blockchain, and Clean Energy. - By 2030, the centre aims to train more than 10,000 youth, incubate over 250
startups, and create 5,000+ skilled jobs. - Farmers Not Left Behind
Alongside this, the foundation also announced the establishment of India’s largest farmer
training centre in Raipur. This will provide farmers with access to modern techniques,
innovation, and skill development—ensuring that growth reaches the grassroots. The foundation
has committed to setting aside 10% of its funds for social initiatives in education, skills, and
agriculture. - A Game-Changer for the State
This MoU is more than just a partnership—it’s a roadmap for Chhattisgarh’s transformation. With
world-class institutions, a supportive government, and strong industry backing, the state is
setting the stage to become a leader in entrepreneurship and innovation-led growth.
As the CM put it, “We are not just building infrastructure, we are building a future where
Chhattisgarh leads with ideas, talent, and innovation”.