NIST University at Institute Park near Berhampur in Odisha is the university-stage evolution of the National Institute of Science and Technology. The institution was founded in 1996 as the first NRI-promoted higher-education venture of its kind in Odisha by the SM Charitable Educational Trust, created in 1995 by Dr. Sukant K. Mohapatra and Sanjeeta Mohapatra. It operated for decades as a prominent technical institution before becoming a private university through Odisha legislation enacted in 2024. The university offers undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral education in engineering, science, management, health sciences and related fields. Its research profile includes Centres of Research Excellence and Global Innovation Centers, supporting work in advanced science, engineering and interdisciplinary areas. The Pallur Hills campus spreads across a substantial green site with laboratories, classrooms, library, residential facilities, sports infrastructure and other student amenities. NIST's transformation is historically important because the 2023 university legislation specifically converted the established National Institute of Science and Technology into NIST University rather than creating an unrelated new institution. The act received assent in January 2024 and was later brought into force by the Odisha government. This means the university combines a 1996 educational legacy with a 2024 statutory university identity. Its current mission emphasizes research, innovation, entrepreneurship, academic excellence and industry collaboration. Institutional roots date to the National Institute of Science and Technology founded in 1996. The sponsoring SM Charitable Educational Trust was established in 1995. NIST was founded as an NRI-promoted higher-education venture in Odisha. The university campus is located at Institute Park near Berhampur in Ganjam district. Engineering, science and management are major academic areas. Health sciences broaden the university's multidisciplinary portfolio. Centres of Research Excellence support advanced research activity. Global Innovation Centers strengthen innovation and external collaboration. The campus includes academic, residential and sports infrastructure on a large green site.