Odisha Unveils Science-Led Growth Roadmap

• Odisha and Centre discuss an integrated science and technology roadmap.
• 50 acres to be provided for expansion of the Institute of Life Sciences, Bhubaneswar.
• OMBRIC to be aligned with Earth Sciences, CSIR and biotechnology institutions.
• Rare earths, marine resources and space manufacturing identified as key growth areas.

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 11th Aug: Union Minister of State for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences Dr. Jitendra Singh has outlined an integrated science and technology roadmap for Odisha, bringing together the state’s rare earth resources, marine biotechnology, space capabilities and network of scientific institutions.

The roadmap was discussed during a meeting with Odisha’s Cabinet Minister for Science & Technology Krushna Chandra Patra, who presented proposals concerning the state’s science and technology priorities.

A key decision taken during the meeting was the expansion of the Institute of Life Sciences (ILS), Bhubaneswar, under the Department of Biotechnology, with the Odisha Government to provide an additional 50 acres of land for its future expansion.

Dr. Jitendra Singh said Odisha and the broader Eastern Coastal Region could play a larger role in India’s emerging nuclear and marine roadmap, with coordinated efforts between Central scientific institutions and the state government.

Marine Biotechnology and OMBRIC
The meeting focused on strengthening the Odisha Marine Biotechnology Research & Innovation Corridor (OMBRIC) as a collaborative platform connecting academic and research institutions.

OMBRIC has partnerships with IIT Bhubaneswar, Berhampur University, Fakir Mohan University, NIT Rourkela, IISER Berhampur and the Institute of Life Sciences, Bhubaneswar.

The next phase will seek closer alignment with Earth Sciences, CSIR and the Department of Biotechnology to connect Odisha’s marine resources with advanced research, biotechnology applications and industrial innovation.

The expanded ILS campus is also expected to support research linked to the Bio-E3 framework — Biotechnology for Economy, Environment and Employment.

Rare Earth and Space Opportunities
The discussions also covered Odisha’s role in the country’s emerging rare earth ecosystem. The Union Budget 2026–27 had announced dedicated Rare Earth Corridors in Odisha, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, focusing on mining, processing, research and manufacturing.

The meeting explored ways to strengthen rare earth exploration and related scientific capabilities in Odisha, including their connection with national priorities involving atomic minerals, advanced materials and strategic technologies.

Odisha’s space capabilities were another area of discussion, including closer alignment with ISRO and the possibility of developing a Space Research and Manufacturing Centre through a public-private partnership model.

Deep Ocean Mission and Science City
The meeting also discussed opportunities arising from the Deep Ocean Mission and Odisha’s deep-sea fisheries potential. The state’s extensive coastline and marine resources could support greater integration of ocean science, fisheries, marine technology and coastal economic activity.

The proposed Science City in Odisha was also discussed as a platform for scientific awareness, innovation and experiential learning, particularly among young people.

The two sides further discussed greater coordination among Central and national scientific institutions working in marine sciences, Earth sciences, biotechnology, critical minerals and space applications.

Odisha’s participation in the upcoming ‘Swachh Sagar, Surakshit Sagar’ campaign was also reviewed, with several coastal districts expected to participate in coastal cleanliness and marine-environment awareness activities.

Dr. Jitendra Singh and Krushna Chandra Patra agreed on the importance of continued Centre-State coordination to advance these initiatives and build a science-led development ecosystem for Odisha and the Eastern Coastal Region.