Odisha Launches Marine Biotechnology Research & Innovation Corridor to Drive Blue Economy Growth

Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Monday launched the Odisha Marine Biotechnology Research & Innovation Corridor (OMBRIC), a pioneering initiative of the State Science & Technology Department aimed at harnessing the state’s rich marine biodiversity for environmental protection, economic growth, and livelihood support in coastal areas.

The launch event, held at Lok Seva Bhawan, also witnessed the signing of an R&D collaboration MoU between the Odisha Science & Technology Department and the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT), Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India. Additionally, six leading higher education institutions in Odisha entered into MoUs with the state government to provide dedicated research and development support for the initiative.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said OMBRIC would serve as a “beacon of hope for the scientific community and innovation” and contribute significantly to transforming India’s blue economy. “At a time when the world is looking towards the oceans for solutions—from sustainable food systems to climate resilience—Odisha is taking a bold and visionary step forward,” he said.

Aligning with the Viksit Odisha 2036 and Viksit India 2047 vision, the CM stressed that OMBRIC would function as more than just a research programme, serving as a platform for young entrepreneurs to establish marine biotech startups grounded in local resources and global standards. “From gene discovery to bioactive molecules, from bioremediation to nutraceuticals, this initiative will connect the lab to the land, ensuring real-world impact through job creation, environmental sustainability, and economic growth,” he added.

The CM underlined Odisha’s ambition to be a “coastal innovator” by investing in nature-based solutions that preserve and responsibly utilise biodiversity. “We are initiating an alliance of knowledge, research, and innovation to explore the unseen gifts and threats of this coast with the help of biotechnology,” he said.

Science and Technology Minister Krushna Chandra Patra described OMBRIC as a blueprint for a prosperous future, noting Odisha’s untapped potential in marine biotechnology. Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja also addressed the gathering, while Science & Technology Principal Secretary Chithra Arumugam welcomed the guests and Additional Secretary Puja Mishra proposed the vote of thanks.

Strategic Research Hubs

Recognising the immense potential of the state’s 574 km-long coastline and its unexplored marine bioresources, the Science & Technology Department has designated six premier institutions as OMBRIC hubs, each tasked with specialised research objectives:

1. IIT Bhubaneswar – Mapping and monitoring coastal marine bioresources using satellite imagery, GIS, remote sensing, and drones; assessing ecosystem health; capacity building.

2. NIT Rourkela – Cultivation of unculturable marine microorganisms and extraction of novel bioactive compounds for pharmaceutical and industrial use.

3. IISER Berhampur – Novel gene discovery, characterisation, and scaling up high-value marine products through chemical engineering.

4. ILS Bhubaneswar – Establishing a Marine Microbial Biorepository and publishing the Odisha Marine Bio Resource Atlas with genetic footprint data; fostering blue technology startups.

5. Berhampur University – Marine biodiversity mapping and metabolite characterisation of algae, seaweeds, fishes, and other marine organisms.

6. Fakir Mohan University – Developing commercial breeding technology for Indian horseshoe crabs and exploring translational applications of extracted bioactive compounds.

From Lab to Market

OMBRIC aims to transform research outputs into market-ready products through intellectual property generation, incubation support, and entrepreneurial mentoring. By promoting marine biotech startups and enterprises, the initiative envisions a sustainable “lab-to-market” pipeline that will boost marine industrialisation in Odisha.

Equally significant is OMBRIC’s community engagement focus, which includes training and education programmes for coastal populations, participatory conservation efforts, and livelihood enhancement, ensuring that development is both inclusive and environmentally responsible.

The event was attended by Development Commissioner Anu Garg, Vice Chancellors and Directors of all six partner institutions, and the Director of NIOT.