New Delhi: Union Minister of State for Science & Technology Jitendra Singh, on Tuesday laid out an integrated roadmap for Odisha that ties Central government’s ‘Rare Earth Corridor’ proposal, state’s rich marine and coastal resources, biotechnology ecosystem, space capabilities and network of scientific institutions.
Singh was discussing the roadmap with Odisha’s Science & Technology Minister Krushna Chandra Patra, who presented a series of proposals relating to the state’s science and technology priorities.
The discussions covered the expansion of marine biotechnology, strengthening of life sciences infrastructure, greater utilisation of Odisha’s coastal and mineral resources, space applications and manufacturing, Rare Earth exploration, scientific infrastructure and participation of coastal districts in national marine-environment initiatives.
The meeting finalised expansion of “Institute of Life Sciences”, Bhubaneswar belonging to the Department of Biotechnology, with provision for additional 50 acres land from the Odisha state government, an official statement said on Tuesday.
The expanded institutional capacity can provide a stronger base for research in life sciences and biotechnology and for initiatives linked to the Bio-E3 framework, Biotechnology for Economy, Environment and Employment.
Singh said the Eastern Coastal Region can play a much larger role in India’s emerging Nuclear and Marine roadmap, with Odisha well placed to contribute through coordinated efforts involving Central scientific institutions and the state government.
The approach seeks to move from individual institutional initiatives towards a connected ecosystem spanning ocean resources, critical minerals, life sciences, space technology and technology-led economic development.
Discussions covered Odisha Marine Biotechnology Research & Innovation Corridor (OMBRIC), being developed as a collaborative platform bringing together leading academic and research institutions in the state.
OMBRIC has already established partnerships with IIT Bhubaneswar, Berhampur University, Fakir Mohan University, NIT Rourkela, IISER Berhampur and the Institute of Life Sciences (ILS), Bhubaneswar, the statement said.
The proposed convergence between marine biotechnology and Earth Sciences is also intended to strengthen the scientific understanding and sustainable utilisation of Odisha’s coastal resources.
The approach will bring together expertise in marine science, earth sciences, biotechnology and mineral-resource research, creating greater scope for joint projects and technology development.
The meeting explored integrating the state’s space capabilities with ISRO, including the possibility of developing a Space Research and Manufacturing Centre in PPP mode. Such an ecosystem can bring together government institutions, national space agencies, research organisations and industry.