CM Launches Odisha Marine Biotechnology Research & Innovation Corridor

Ground-breaking Marine Biotech Initiative to Make Odisha a Leader in Blue Economy- CM
Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Majhi today launched the Odisha Marine Biotechnology Research & Innovation Corridor (OMBRIC), an initiative by Science & Technology Department. Recognizing the immense potential of the 574 km long coastline packed with unexplored rich marine bioresources, Odisha Science & Technology Department has conceptualised OMBRIC as a pioneering initiative aimed at transforming and positioning Odisha into a global leader in marine biotechnology and Blue Economy development. The initiative has the potential to contribute immensely to the field of environment protection, science-based tourism, investment & employment, and livelihood support to local population in coastal areas. Expressing confidence on the initiative, the CM asserted that Odisha is no longer just a coastal state. Odisha now seeks to be a coastal innovator.
An R&D collaboration MoU was also signed at Lok Seva Bhawan between Science & Technology Dept., Govt. of Odisha & National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT), Ministry of Earth Sciences, Govt. of India. Besides, six higher education institutions in Odisha also signed MoU with Odisha Government to provide R&D support for initiative.
Speaking on the occasion, the CM said that this unique platform will become a beacon of hope for the scientific community and innovation, not only for Odisha, but for the entire nation and the world. It can transform our blue economy and contribute significantly to nation’s economic growth.
Aligning with the vision of Viksit Odisha 2036 & Viksit India 2047, the CM said that OMBRIC is designed not just as a research program, but as a platform where young entrepreneurs of Odisha can build marine biotech startups grounded in local resources and global standards.
Science and technology minister Shri Krushna Chandra Patra said that Odisha has huge potential in marine biotechnology and the state will make all efforts to explore this sector to promote growth. OMBRIC is a blue print for a prosperous future.
Chief Secretary Shri Manoj Ahuja also spoke on the occasion. Science and Technology Principal Secretary Smt. Chithra Arumugam welcomed the guests, Development Commissioner Smt. Anu Garg, Vice Chancellor and Directors of all the six institutes (IIT-Bhubaneswar, Berhampur University, FM University, NIT Rourkela, IISER-Berhampur & ILS-Bhubaneswar), & Director NIOT were also present in the event and Additional Secretary Smt. Puja Mishra proposed the vote of thanks.
To ensure targeted and high-impact execution, six premier institutions in Odisha have been selected as hubs of OMBRIC based on their scientific expertise and regional relevance.
1. IIT Bhubaneswar – Comprehensive mapping and monitoring of Odisha’s coastal marine bioresources using satellite images, GIS, remote sensing, drone survey etc. and assessment of coastal ecosystem health and capacity building.
2. NIT Rourkela – Cultivation of unculturable marine microorganisms and extraction of novel bioactive compounds (Enzymes, Pigments, Antibiotics etc.) with pharmaceutical and industrial applications.
3. IISER Berhampur – Novel Gene discovery, characterisation and structural elucidation of marine bioactive compounds and upscaling of high valued marine products through chemical engineering.
4. ILS Bhubaneswar – Establishment of a Marine Microbial Biorepository, to publish Odisha Marine Bio Resource Atlas with Genetic Footprint and to promote innovation, start-up activities in blue technology.
5. Berhampur University – Marine biodiversity mapping and metabolite characterization of Marine algae, seaweeds, fishes and other sea animals.
6. Fakir Mohan University – Commercial breeding technology and scalable protocol for breeding of Indian horseshoe crabs and translational applications of extracted bioactive compounds.