Bhubaneswar: The burgeoning biotechnology sector in India is set to receive a significant boost, with marine resources emerging as a crucial component. On the third day of Global Bio-India (GBI) 2024, a technical session titled ‘Tapping the Blue Economy’ focused on leveraging India’s maritime resources for economic and biotechnological advancements. The session featured a keynote address by Krushna Chandra Patra, Minister of Science and Technology, Government of Odisha.
Minister Patra highlighted Odisha’s potential to become a leader in the Blue Economy, emphasizing the state’s strategic position and its contribution to India’s bioeconomy. “Odisha boasts a vast coastline of 480 kilometers. The State Government is developing a comprehensive roadmap to advance ‘Marine Biotechnology’. We are exploring how modern technology and expertise can be harnessed to drive economic development through marine resources,” he stated.
Dr. Mrutyunjay Suar, Chairman of BCKIC, delivered the opening remarks, with Dr. Jitendra Kumar, Managing Director of BIRAC, Government of India, also in attendance. The session underscored Odisha’s capabilities in marine biotechnology and the need to support startups and research in this area. Minister Patra called for increased research and support for startups to maximize the state’s potential in the Blue Economy. “Under the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Majhi, the State Government is implementing various initiatives to achieve these goals,” he added.
The Government of Odisha is focusing on marine biodiversity and conservation, aquaculture and fisheries, marine bioproducts, and environmental sustainability. These areas are seen as key to enhancing India’s bioeconomy.
On the second day of the event, Chithra Arumugam, Principal Secretary of the Science & Technology Department, Government of Odisha, presented the state’s futuristic Biotechnology Policy during a special State Roundtable. She highlighted Odisha’s industry-friendly ecosystem and its commitment to advancing the biotech sector. The session attracted policymakers, industry representatives, and stakeholders from across India.
The Odisha Pavilion at GBI 2024 showcased the state’s biotechnology prospects and investment opportunities. Innovative biotech startups from Odisha demonstrated their cutting-edge technologies and solutions, gaining exposure to future trends and industry connections.
Global Bio-India 2024, organized by the Department of Biotechnology under the Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India, ran from September 12 to September 14. The event celebrated India’s unique biological resources and potential, with Odisha playing a prominent role.