Bhubaneswar: In a major push towards marine biotechnology and sustainable coastal development, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Tuesday launched the Odisha Marine Biotechnology Research & Innovation Corridor (OMBRIC), an ambitious initiative by the Department of Science & Technology, Government of Odisha.
This initiative holds immense potential to contribute to environmental protection, science-based tourism, investment and employment generation, as well as livelihood support for local populations in coastal areas.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for R&D collaboration was also signed at Lok Seva Bhawan between the Department of Science & Technology, Government of Odisha, and the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT), Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India. Additionally, six higher education institutions in Odisha signed MoUs with the state government to provide R&D support for the initiative.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Majhi stated that this unique platform will become a beacon of hope for the scientific community and for innovation — not only in Odisha but across the nation and the world. He emphasised that it has the potential to transform the blue economy and significantly contribute to the nation’s economic growth.
“At a time when the world is turning to the oceans for solutions to some of our most pressing challenges — from sustainable food systems to climate resilience — Odisha is taking a bold and visionary step forward,” the Chief Minister said.
Aligning with the visions of Viksit Odisha 2036 and Viksit Bharat 2047, the CM noted that OMBRIC is not just a research program, but a platform where young entrepreneurs from Odisha can build marine biotech startups grounded in local resources and global standards.
He further highlighted that OMBRIC connects the lab to the land, and research to real-world impact. From gene discovery to bioactive molecules, from bioremediation to nutraceuticals, the initiative encompasses the entire pipeline of marine biotechnology innovation, ultimately leading to job creation, environmental sustainability, and economic development.
Expressing confidence in the initiative, the CM affirmed, “Odisha is no longer just a coastal state. Odisha now aspires to be a coastal innovator. We are not merely blessed by nature; we are investing in nature-based solutions. We are harnessing our biodiversity not by exploiting it, but by preserving, understanding, and responsibly utilising it.”
Recognising the state’s geographic advantage and the strength of its academic and research institutions, the CM said, “We have initiated an alliance of knowledge, research, and innovation to explore the unseen gifts and threats of this coast with the help of biotechnology.”
Science and Technology Minister Krushna Chandra Patra stated that Odisha has immense potential in marine biotechnology and assured that the state would make every effort to explore and develop this sector to drive growth. He called OMBRIC a blueprint for a prosperous future.
Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja also addressed the gathering. Science and Technology Principal Secretary Chithra Arumugam welcomed the guests, and Additional Secretary Puja Mishra delivered the vote of thanks.
It is noteworthy that, recognising the vast potential of Odisha’s 574 km-long coastline rich in unexplored marine bioresources, the Department of Science & Technology has conceptualised OMBRIC as a pioneering initiative to position Odisha as a global leader in marine biotechnology and Blue Economy development.
To ensure targeted and high-impact implementation, six premier institutions in Odisha have been selected as hubs for OMBRIC based on their scientific expertise and regional relevance. Each institution will lead specific components of OMBRIC aligned with their areas of specialisation and the state’s strategic needs:
- IIT Bhubaneswar – Comprehensive mapping and monitoring of Odisha’s coastal marine bioresources using satellite imagery, GIS, remote sensing, drone surveys, etc., along with assessment of coastal ecosystem health and capacity building.
- NIT Rourkela – Cultivation of previously unculturable marine microorganisms and extraction of novel bioactive compounds (enzymes, pigments, antibiotics, etc.) with pharmaceutical and industrial applications.
- IISER Berhampur – Discovery and characterisation of novel genes and marine bioactive compounds; structural elucidation and upscaling of high-value marine products through chemical engineering.
- ILS Bhubaneswar – Establishment of a Marine Microbial Biorepository, publication of an Odisha Marine Bioresource Atlas with Genetic Footprints, and promotion of innovation and startup activities in blue technology.
- Berhampur University – Marine biodiversity mapping and metabolite characterisation of marine algae, seaweeds, fish, and other marine fauna.
- Fakir Mohan University – Development of commercial breeding technologies and scalable protocols for the breeding of Indian horseshoe crabs, along with translational applications of bioactive compound extraction.
Crucially, OMBRIC is designed to translate cutting-edge research into tangible economic outcomes. Through intellectual property (IP) generation, incubation support, and entrepreneurial mentoring, research outputs will be converted into market-ready products, thereby nurturing marine biotech startups and enterprises. This “lab-to-market” pipeline is envisioned to establish a sustainable ecosystem for innovation-driven marine industrialisation in Odisha.
In addition to advancing scientific research, OMBRIC places a strong emphasis on community engagement and social impact. The initiative aims to involve coastal communities through training, education, and participatory conservation, thereby fostering marine stewardship while enhancing local livelihoods and social equity.
Development Commissioner Anu Garg, Vice Chancellors and Directors of the six partner institutions (IIT Bhubaneswar, Berhampur University, Fakir Mohan University, NIT Rourkela, IISER Berhampur, and ILS Bhubaneswar), as well as the Director of NIOT, were also present at the event.
