New Delhi, Aug 12: Odisha is shaping an integrated roadmap to accelerate science- and technology-led growth by combining its maritime potential with marine biotechnology, critical minerals, life sciences, space technology and advanced research.
Pic Credit: Pexel
The roadmap was discussed by Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, and MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh, and Odisha Science & Technology Minister Krushna Chandra Patra during a meeting in New Delhi.
The discussions focused on strengthening Centre-State cooperation and creating stronger links between Odisha’s coastal economy, scientific institutions, research capabilities and emerging strategic sectors.
A key development was the proposed expansion of the Institute of Life Sciences (ILS), Bhubaneswar. The Odisha government will provide an additional 50 acres of land to support the institution’s future expansion and strengthen its research and innovation capabilities in life sciences and biotechnology.
The expanded facility is expected to support research under the Bio-E3 framework, with a focus on biotechnology applications across the economy, environment and employment.
Odisha’s Maritime Potential at the Centre of Growth Strategy
With its extensive coastline and rich marine biodiversity, Odisha is well placed to expand its role in India’s growing blue economy. The State is seeking to connect marine research with biotechnology, fisheries, environmental science and technology development.
The Odisha Marine Biotechnology Research & Innovation Corridor (OMBRIC) is emerging as an important platform for this effort. The initiative brings together institutions including IIT Bhubaneswar, Berhampur University, Fakir Mohan University, NIT Rourkela, IISER Berhampur and the Institute of Life Sciences, Bhubaneswar.
The next phase is expected to deepen cooperation with organisations working in Earth Sciences, CSIR and the Department of Biotechnology. The objective is to translate Odisha’s marine potential into research, innovation and industrial opportunities.
Marine biotechnology could support new applications in healthcare, food, bio-resources, advanced materials and environmental management, while creating opportunities for researchers, startups and industry.
Strengthening the Rare Earth Ecosystem
Critical minerals and rare earths are another major component of Odisha’s emerging technology strategy.
The Union Budget 2026-27 has proposed dedicated Rare Earth Corridors in Odisha, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, with an emphasis on mining, processing, research and manufacturing.
Odisha’s mineral base and existing scientific infrastructure provide an important foundation for expanding its role in the domestic rare-earth value chain. Greater integration between exploration, processing, research and advanced manufacturing could strengthen India’s capabilities in strategic materials and technologies.
Space Technology and Manufacturing
The meeting also explored opportunities to strengthen Odisha’s space technology ecosystem through closer cooperation with ISRO and other national institutions.
The possibility of establishing a Space Research and Manufacturing Centre through a public-private partnership model was discussed. Such an ecosystem could support research, technology development, manufacturing and wider applications of space technology while encouraging greater participation from industry.
Expanding the Deep-Sea Economy
Odisha’s maritime growth strategy also includes the development of its deep-sea economy.
The Deep Ocean Mission, along with the State’s Odisha Deep Sea Fishing Mission (2026-2036), provides opportunities to expand offshore and deep-sea fisheries, strengthen marine value chains and create new economic opportunities for coastal communities.
The approach seeks to bring together ocean science, fisheries, marine technology and coastal economic activity, while ensuring that marine resources are used sustainably.
Building Scientific Awareness and Infrastructure
The proposed Science City in Odisha is expected to add a public-facing dimension to the State’s growing science and technology ecosystem. The initiative aims to promote scientific awareness, innovation and experiential learning, particularly among students and young people.
The discussions also emphasised greater collaboration among Odisha’s Central and national scientific institutions in marine sciences, Earth Sciences, biotechnology, critical minerals and space applications.
Focus on Sustainable Coastal Development
Environmental protection will remain an important part of Odisha’s maritime growth agenda. The State’s participation in the upcoming ‘Swachh Sagar, Surakshit Sagar’ campaign is expected to strengthen coastal cleanliness efforts and public awareness about marine conservation.
Dr. Jitendra Singh and Krushna Chandra Patra stressed the importance of continued Centre-State coordination to translate these initiatives into tangible outcomes.
The emerging roadmap represents a broader shift in Odisha’s development strategy — from viewing its coastline and natural resources primarily as economic assets to building a technology-driven maritime ecosystem around them.
By connecting marine biotechnology, deep-sea fisheries, critical minerals, space technology, life sciences and scientific research, Odisha is positioning itself to play a larger role in India’s blue economy and Eastern Coastal Region, while supporting the country’s goals of innovation, technological self-reliance and sustainable growth.