Odisha Partners with IIM Sambalpur to Develop First State Bio-Economy Report

Bhubaneswar: With biotechnology emerging as a key driver of sustainable development and innovation, Odisha is taking a strategic leap to build a strong bio-economy framework. In a landmark move, the Government of Odisha has entrusted the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Sambalpur with the task of preparing the state’s first Bio-Economy Report, which will map the sector’s strengths and chart future growth opportunities.

The initiative was formalized today through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Department of Science & Technology and IIM Sambalpur at Kharavela Bhawan. The MoU was signed by Puja Mishra, Additional Secretary of the Department, and Prof. Mahadeo Jaiswal, Director of IIM Sambalpur, in the presence of Science & Technology Minister Krushna Chandra Patra and Principal Secretary Chithra Arumugam.

The proposed report will serve as a strategic guide to position Odisha as a competitive player in the national and global bioeconomy landscape. It will identify core focus areas such as bio-agriculture, bio-manufacturing, health and pharma innovations, and environmental biotechnology—laying the foundation for long-term economic and ecological gains.

According to officials, the report is expected to act as a catalyst for attracting investments, promoting innovation, and enabling policy reforms. It will also help in fostering a robust bioeconomy ecosystem that encourages research, industry collaboration, and start-up ventures in the state.

Key officials present during the ceremony included Sibani Mohanty, Additional Secretary of the Science & Technology Department; Urmiprava Moharana; Bidyut Prava Rout; and IIM Sambalpur faculty members R.K. Padhi and Sandip Mukhopadhaya.