Bhubaneswar: 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 of the state government.
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 and the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT), Ministry of Earth Sciences. Additionally, six higher education institutions in Odisha signed MoUs with the state government to provide R&D support for the initiative, official sources said.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said 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.
“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,” he said.
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.”
It may be noted that recognising 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 in future.
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.
These institutions will lead various components of OMBRIC with specific objectives aligned with their areas of expertise and need of the state:
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.
Crucially, OMBRIC is designed to translate research into tangible economic outcomes. Through IP generation, incubation support, and entrepreneurial mentoring, research findings will evolve into market-ready products, fostering the growth of marine biotech startups and enterprises. This “lab-to-market” pipeline ensures a sustainable ecosystem for innovation-driven marine industrialisation in Odisha.
In addition to advancing research, OMBRIC places strong emphasis on community engagement and social impact. The initiative seeks to involve coastal populations through training, education, and participatory conservation, thereby fostering marine stewardship while improving local livelihoods and social equity.
