CM Majhi Launches OMBRIC: Odisha’s Bold Leap into Marine Biotechnology

Bhubaneswar : 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 platformconnecting “lab to land” and “research to realworld 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.

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