In a landmark move to harness biotechnology for economic progress, the Government of Odisha has partnered with the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Sambalpur to develop the state’s first-ever Bio-Economy report.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Science & Technology Department and IIM Sambalpur at Kharvel Bhawan, marking a significant step toward fostering a robust bio-economy ecosystem in Odisha.
The MoU, formalised by Additional Secretary Puja Mishra and IIM Sambalpur Director Prof. Mahadeo Jaiswal, was signed in the presence of Science & Technology Minister Krushna Chandra Patra and Principal Secretary Chithra Arumugam.
The initiative aims to assess Odisha’s key strengths, challenges, and growth opportunities in biotechnology, providing a strategic roadmap to align the state’s bioeconomic initiatives with national and global best practices.
“Biotechnology holds immense potential to drive Odisha’s growth trajectory,” said Minister Patra. “This report will serve as a benchmark for future bioindustries, fostering sustainable economic development and innovation.” The collaboration is expected to catalyse advancements in sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, and renewable energy, positioning Odisha as a leader in India’s bio-economy landscape.
The Bio-Economy report will identify opportunities for innovation, investment, and job creation while addressing challenges like infrastructure gaps and skill development. By leveraging IIM Sambalpur’s expertise, the state aims to create a framework that attracts bioindustries and promotes sustainable practices.
Among those present at the signing ceremony were Additional Secretary Sibani Mohanty, Urmiprava Moharana, Bidyut Prava Rout, and IIM faculty members R.K. Padhi and Sandip Mukhopadhaya. The event underscored Odisha’s commitment to integrating cutting-edge research with policy-making to drive economic growth.
This partnership signals a new era for Odisha’s bio-economy, with the potential to transform the state into a hub for biotechnology innovation and sustainable development.
