Bhubaneswar, Sep 15: In a major boost to Odisha’s industrial and healthcare landscape, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Monday laid the foundation stone for the Rs200 crore SUM Lifesciences project at Gothapatna Industrial Estate on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar.

The pharma manufacturing and research unit is a subsidiary of Summa Real Media Private Ltd and is poised to become a key player in the state’s growing life sciences sector.

The foundation ceremony, held remotely from the Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT) campus, also marked the launch of 27 industrial projects across 12 districts. These initiatives reflect the government’s commitment to decentralised industrial development and employment generation.

SUM Lifesciences Private Limited is expected to create direct employment for 1,280 individuals once operational, offering opportunities in pharmaceutical production, research, and allied services.

The event was attended by key dignitaries including Industries Minister Sampad Charan Swain, Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, Development Commissioner Anu Garg, and Principal Secretary of Industries Hemant Sharma.