In a landmark move to position Odisha as a global leader in marine biotechnology and the Blue Economy, Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Majhi today launched the Odisha Marine Biotechnology Research & Innovation Corridor (OMBRIC).
Spearheaded by the Science & Technology Department, this initiative aims to transform Odisha’s 574 km coastline into a hub of innovation, sustainability, and economic growth.
OMBRIC is envisioned as a dynamic platform for young entrepreneurs to build marine biotech startups rooted in local resources and aligned with global standards. The corridor will catalyse research, innovation, and commercialisation across key domains such as gene discovery, bioremediation, nutraceuticals, and sustainable aquaculture.
Strategic Collaborations
An MoU was signed between the Odisha Government and the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT), Ministry of Earth Sciences, alongside six premier institutions in Odisha:
- IIT Bhubaneswar – Coastal ecosystem mapping and capacity building
- NIT Rourkela – Marine microorganism cultivation and bioactive compound extraction
- IISER Berhampur – Gene discovery and product upscaling
- ILS Bhubaneswar – Marine microbial biorepository and innovation support
- Berhampur University – Biodiversity mapping and metabolite profiling
- Fakir Mohan University – Breeding technology for Indian horseshoe crabs
Vision for Viksit Odisha 2036
Speaking at Lok Seva Bhawan, the CM emphasised that OMBRIC is not just a research initiative but a transformative platform connecting “lab to land” and “research to real-world impact.” He asserted Odisha’s evolution from a coastal state to a coastal innovator, investing in nature-based solutions and responsible biodiversity utilisation.
Science & Technology Minister Shri Krushna Chandra Patra called OMBRIC a blueprint for a prosperous future, while Chief Secretary Shri Manoj Ahuja and Principal Secretary Smt. Chithra Arumugam reiterated the state’s commitment to marine innovation.
Community-Centric Innovation
OMBRIC also prioritizes community engagement through training, education, and participatory conservation. By involving coastal populations, the initiative aims to foster marine stewardship and improve livelihoods, ensuring inclusive growth.
With its strategic alliances, cutting-edge research, and entrepreneurial focus, OMBRIC is set to redefine Odisha’s coastal identity and contribute significantly to India’s blue economy ambitions.
