Chhattisgarh Bets Big on Startups With STPI Pact to Build Tech and Hardware Innovation Hubs

Chhattisgarh has long been known for its rich natural resources and industrial base. Now, the state is making a clear and confident push into the world of technology, innovation, and startups. In a move that signals this shift, the Chhattisgarh government has signed a key memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) to set up two major institutions aimed at nurturing entrepreneurship and advanced electronics manufacturing in the state.

The MoU was signed by the Department of Electronics and Information Technology of Chhattisgarh in the presence of Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, marking an important step in the state’s journey towards becoming a serious player in India’s growing startup and digital economy.

Building a Knowledge-Driven Identity

Speaking at the signing ceremony held at his official residence, Chief Minister Sai made it clear that Chhattisgarh wants to go beyond its traditional identity. While the state is well-endowed with minerals, forests, and natural wealth, the new focus is on building strength in knowledge, technology, and innovation.

According to the chief minister, Chhattisgarh is steadily positioning itself as a destination for Information Technology (IT), IT-enabled services (ITES), and emerging technology-driven industries. This transition is being supported by improved digital infrastructure, strong e-governance systems, and policies designed to attract investors and entrepreneurs alike.

The partnership with STPI, he said, fits perfectly into this broader vision of creating high-quality jobs, retaining local talent, and encouraging innovation-led economic growth.

Centre of Entrepreneurship to Power New-Age Startups

One of the most significant outcomes of the MoU is the establishment of a Centre of Entrepreneurship (CoE) in Chhattisgarh. This centre will focus on promoting innovation and startup activity across four key sectors that are both future-facing and locally relevant.

These include artificial intelligence, forest- and medicinal-product-based medical technologies, smart city solutions, and smart agriculture. By aligning advanced technology with the state’s natural strengths and development needs, the CoE aims to create startups that are not only innovative but also deeply rooted in regional opportunities.

The centre will offer startups access to incubation support, mentorship from industry experts, funding guidance, and advanced laboratory facilities. For young entrepreneurs in Chhattisgarh, this means they no longer need to move to metros to turn their ideas into viable businesses.

Boost for Hardware and Electronics Innovation

Alongside the entrepreneurship centre, the MoU also provides for the setting up of a state-of-the-art Electronics System Design and Development (ESDD) centre. This facility is expected to play a crucial role in strengthening hardware innovation and electronics manufacturing in the state.

The ESDD centre will support around 30 to 40 hardware startups and MSMEs every year. These enterprises will be provided with facilities for product design, prototyping, skill development, and capacity building—areas that often remain out of reach for early-stage hardware founders due to high costs and limited access.

By creating this ecosystem locally, the government hopes to reduce the migration of skilled youth to bigger cities and generate quality employment opportunities within Chhattisgarh itself.

Leveraging STPI’s National Experience

A key strength of this partnership lies in STPI’s extensive experience across India. The organisation currently operates 68 centres and 24 sector-specific Centres of Entrepreneurship nationwide. This deep institutional knowledge is expected to significantly strengthen Chhattisgarh’s startup and innovation landscape.

With STPI’s involvement, startups in the state will be plugged into national networks, best practices, and industry linkages, helping them scale faster and compete beyond regional markets.

A Milestone for the State’s Digital Future

Chief Minister Sai described the agreement as a milestone in Chhattisgarh’s economic and technological journey. He noted that the initiative would help the state carve out a new identity on the national map—as a hub for digital innovation, technological entrepreneurship, and startup-led growth.

Senior officials including Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Subodh Kumar Singh, Electronics and IT Department Secretary Ankit Anand, STPI Director Ravi Verma, and other dignitaries were present during the signing of the MoU.

As India’s startup ecosystem continues to expand beyond traditional metros, Chhattisgarh’s partnership with STPI signals a clear intent: to be part of the country’s next wave of innovation, driven by local talent, modern infrastructure, and forward-looking policy support.