Bhubaneswar: Silicon Institute of Technology in Odisha capital here and National Institute of Science and Technology (NIST) in Berhampur will be upgraded into unitary universities.

The Odisha Cabinet led by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today gave its approval to Silicon University, Odisha Bill, 2023 and NIST University, Odisha Bill, 2023, said an official of the Skill Development department.

The two Bills propose upgradation of Silicon Institute of Technology in Bhubaneswar and NIST in Berhampur into two self-financed, private and non-affiliating unitary universities, said the official.

After upgradation, the two institutes will be known as Silicon University and NIST University, added the official.

The two new private universities will be able to disseminate knowledge by providing academic and research facilities in such branches of learning which include Engineering & Technology and Management as per the norms and standards of courses or programmes prescribed by different regulatory bodies, he said.

“This upgradation 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,” added the official.