Bhubaneswar, August 12: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Tuesday launched the Odisha Marine Biotechnology Research & Innovation Corridor (OMBRIC), an ambitious initiative to unlock the immense potential of marine bio-resources for scientific excellence, entrepreneurship, and sustainable growth, at the Lok Seva Bhavan here.
“OMBRIC will serve as a bridge between research and real-world application, enabling young innovators to create marine biotechnology enterprises that reflect Odisha’s strengths while meeting global standards,” said the Chief Minister.
In collaboration with the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) and six leading institutions of the State – IIT Bhubaneswar, NIT Rourkela, IISER Berhampur, ILS Bhubaneswar, Berhampur University, and Fakir Mohan University – this initiative will advance pioneering work in gene discovery, bioactive compounds, bioremediation, and other key areas to strengthen our blue economy.
“With OMBRIC, we take a significant step towards positioning Odisha as a centre of coastal innovation, fully aligned with our vision of Viksit Odisha 2036 and Viksit Bharat 2047,” said the CM.
An R&D collaboration MoU was also signed between the State Science and Technology Department and National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) of Ministry of Earth Sciences.
Science and Technology Minister Krushna Chandra Patra, Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, Development Commissioner Anu Garg, Science and Technology Secretary Chithra Arumugam among others attended.
It may be mentioned here that recognizing the immense potential of the 574 km long coastline packed with unexplored rich marine bio-resources, Odisha Science & Technology Department has conceptualised OMBRIC as a pioneering initiative aimed at transforming and positioning Odisha into a global leader in marine biotechnology and Blue Economy development in future.
