The Odisha government has released detailed operational guidelines for implementing its artificial intelligence (AI) Policy, outlining an institutional framework and a phased roadmap for integrating AI into governance and public service delivery.
As part of the framework, the state will set up an Odisha AI Mission, modelled on the national AI Mission, to drive coordinated implementation. The mission will operate through a two-tier structure comprising an AI Taskforce for strategic direction and an AI cell for execution.
A dedicated AI cell will be established under the Odisha computer application centre to act as the technical and operational backbone. The cell will support startups and research institutions in developing state-specific AI solutions and promote adoption across government departments. It will also facilitate funding, mentorship and incubation support.
To strengthen technical capabilities, specialised AI development teams will be created within the cell to focus on prototyping, localisation of AI applications to Odisha’s socio-cultural and linguistic context, and providing ongoing support for pilot projects and scale-up initiatives.
The guidelines introduce AI innovation challenges to crowdsource solutions from startups, researchers and industry players for sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, disaster management and public services. Selected participants will receive pilot funding and opportunities for wider deployment.
The policy also emphasises inclusivity, with provisions for consultations with communities, NGOs and stakeholders to validate AI use cases. It proposes citizen participation in data annotation through incentivised and gamified platforms, including involvement of grassroots workers and cultural groups.
In line with an open-first approach, the state will promote open-source AI tools, datasets and models. A State Open AI Hub will be set up to host these resources, along with hackathons and micro-grants to encourage contributions.
Furthermore, the government will expand partnerships with academic and industry institutions, including setting up advanced AI labs at Indian Institute of Technology Bhubaneswar, National Institute of Technology Rourkela, International Institute of Information Technology Bhubaneswar and National Institute of Science Education and Research. These centres will focus on research, skilling and applied innovation, supported by joint research and development projects, fellowships and internships.
In addition, the state plans to establish an AI centre of excellence operating on a hub-and-spoke model, bringing together government, academia, industry and startups. The centre will focus on AI adoption, startup enablement, capacity building and community development, with defined performance metrics and regular evaluations.