Bhubaneswar, Sep 15 : Odisha cabinet chaired by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Friday approved a proposal to upgrade Silicon Institute of Technology (SIT), Bhubaneswar and National Institute of Science and Technology, Berhampur into a self financed private , non-affiliating unitary university.
The Silicon University, Odisha Bill, 2023 proposes for upgrading Silicon Institute of Technology, Bhubaneswar into a self-financed, private, non-affiliating Unitary University in the name and style of Silicon University, Bhubaneswar.
The NIST University, Odisha Bill, 2023 proposes for upgrading National Institute of Science and Technology, Berhampur into a self-financed, private, non affiliating Unitary University in the name and style of NIST University, Berhampur.
After upgradation of Silicon Institute of Technology, into Silicon University and the National Institute of Science and Technology, Berhampur into NIST University, Berhampur,both the institutes would be able to disseminate knowledge by providing academic and research facilities in Engineering and Technology and Management as per the norms and standards of courses or programmes prescribed by the different regulatory bodies.
The two institutes will serve as a centre for fostering cooperation and interaction between the academic and research community on the one hand and industry on the other.
Both Silicon University and NIST University will further identify and establish linkages including MoUs for long term relationships with industry bodies and individual companies for creating opportunities for teachers and students of the University to involve themselves in real life research projects and for obtaining sponsorships.

The two Universities shall also provide assistance for improving employability including entrepreneurial training, specialized skilled training in soft skill requirements by industries.
Official sources said the upgrading the college into University will open doors for sharing of experiences and taking up of collaborative ventures for higher learning and research with other universities in the state, country and overseas.