Rare Earths to Space: Centre, Odisha Chart Ambitious Science-Tech Roadmap

Bhubaneswar: The Centre and Odisha have discussed an integrated roadmap to leverage the state’s rich marine and coastal resources, rare earth reserves, biotechnology ecosystem and space capabilities, with a focus on linking scientific research with technology development and economic growth.

The roadmap was discussed by Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, and MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh, and Odisha Science & Technology Minister Krushna Chandra Patra, who met the Union Minister and presented a series of proposals concerning the state’s science and technology priorities.

The discussions covered marine biotechnology, life sciences infrastructure, rare earth exploration, space applications and manufacturing, scientific infrastructure, coastal resources and greater participation of Odisha’s coastal districts in national marine-environment initiatives.

A key decision was taken to expand the Institute of Life Sciences (ILS), Bhubaneswar, under the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India. The Odisha government will provide an additional 50 acres of land for the expansion, which is expected to strengthen research capacity in life sciences and biotechnology.

Dr Jitendra Singh said Odisha and the wider Eastern Coastal Region have the potential to play a larger role in India’s emerging nuclear, marine and technology ecosystem. He stressed the need to move beyond individual institutional initiatives and build a connected ecosystem bringing together ocean resources, critical minerals, life sciences, space technology and industry.

Focus on marine biotechnology

The Odisha Marine Biotechnology Research & Innovation Corridor (OMBRIC) was among the major initiatives discussed during the meeting. The platform brings together academic and research institutions working in marine biotechnology and has partnerships with IIT Bhubaneswar, Berhampur University, Fakir Mohan University, NIT Rourkela, IISER Berhampur and ILS Bhubaneswar.

The next phase of OMBRIC will seek closer coordination with the Ministry of Earth Sciences, CSIR and the Department of Biotechnology to connect Odisha’s marine resources with advanced research, biotechnology applications and industrial innovation.

The state’s extensive coastline and marine biodiversity could provide opportunities for applications in areas including bio-resources, healthcare, food, materials and environmental solutions. The proposed convergence of marine biotechnology with Earth Sciences is also expected to support sustainable utilisation of coastal resources.

Space, rare earths on agenda

The meeting also explored closer collaboration between Odisha’s space capabilities and ISRO, including the possibility of establishing a Space Research and Manufacturing Centre through a public-private partnership (PPP) model.

The proposed centre could bring together government institutions, national space agencies, research organisations and industry for space applications, technology development, research and manufacturing.

Odisha’s role in the emerging Rare Earth ecosystem was another key area of discussion. The Union Budget 2026-27 has proposed dedicated Rare Earth Corridors in Odisha, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, focusing on mining, processing, research and manufacturing.

The discussions emphasised the need to strengthen rare earth exploration and associated scientific capabilities in Odisha and connect them with national priorities relating to atomic minerals, advanced materials and strategic technologies.

With its coastal mineral resources and existing scientific infrastructure, Odisha is expected to play a significant role in developing an integrated domestic value chain for rare earths and advanced materials.

Deep Ocean Mission, fisheries and Science City

The Deep Ocean Mission and opportunities in deep-sea fisheries were also discussed as part of the state’s broader coastal development agenda. Odisha’s long coastline and marine resources offer scope for integrating ocean science, fisheries, marine technology and coastal economic activities.

The discussions also took note of the state’s Odisha Deep Sea Fishing Mission (2026-2036), which seeks to expand offshore and deep-sea fishing and strengthen value chains linked to the marine economy.

The proposed Science City in Odisha was also discussed as an important public-facing component of the state’s science and technology ecosystem. The facility is envisaged as a platform for scientific awareness, innovation and experiential learning, particularly among young people.

The two sides also discussed greater collaboration among Odisha’s network of Central and national scientific institutions working in marine sciences, Earth Sciences, biotechnology, critical minerals and space applications.

Coastal environment and Centre-State coordination

Odisha’s participation in the forthcoming ‘Swachh Sagar, Surakshit Sagar’ campaign was also discussed. Coordination with coastal district administrations will be strengthened to encourage public participation, coastal cleanliness activities and awareness about marine environmental protection.

Dr Jitendra Singh and Krushna Chandra Patra stressed the importance of continued Centre-State coordination to take the proposed initiatives forward.

The convergence of marine resources, biotechnology, critical minerals, space technology and scientific infrastructure, officials said, could help Odisha emerge as a major science-led growth hub in the Eastern Coastal Region while contributing to India’s goals of technological self-reliance and sustainable resource utilisation.