Odisha’s rare earth resources, marine biotechnology potential and emerging space capabilities can play a key role in driving science-led economic growth in the eastern coastal region, Union Minister of State for Science and Technology Jitendra Singh said on Tuesday.
Singh made the remarks during a meeting with Odisha Science and Technology Minister Krushna Chandra Patra in New Delhi, where the two discussed an integrated roadmap for strengthening the state’s science and technology ecosystem.
The discussions focused on expanding marine biotechnology, strengthening life sciences infrastructure, exploring rare earth resources, developing space applications and manufacturing capabilities, and increasing the participation of coastal districts in national marine and environmental initiatives.
A key decision taken during the meeting was to expand the Institute of Life Sciences (ILS), Bhubaneswar, under the Department of Biotechnology, with the Odisha government set to provide an additional 50 acres of land for the institution.
Singh said the eastern coastal region could play a greater role in India’s emerging nuclear and marine roadmap, with Odisha well positioned to contribute through coordinated efforts between the Centre and state governments.
He called for moving beyond individual institutional initiatives towards an integrated ecosystem encompassing ocean resources, critical minerals, life sciences, space technology and technology-led economic development.
Marine biotechnology corridor to be expanded
The Odisha Marine Biotechnology Research & Innovation Corridor (OMBRIC) was a major focus of the discussions.
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 of the initiative will seek closer alignment with the Ministry of Earth Sciences, CSIR and the Department of Biotechnology to connect Odisha’s marine resources with advanced research, biotechnology applications and industrial innovation.
The convergence could support research in areas such as marine bio-resources, healthcare, food, advanced materials and environmental solutions.
The Centre and Odisha also discussed linking marine biotechnology with Earth Sciences to promote the scientific understanding and sustainable utilisation of the state’s coastal resources.
Space research and manufacturing centre proposed
The state’s space capabilities were another focus area. Discussions explored closer collaboration with ISRO and the possibility of establishing a Space Research and Manufacturing Centre in Odisha through a public-private partnership (PPP) model.
Such an ecosystem could bring together government institutions, space agencies, research organisations and industry, creating opportunities in space applications, research, technology development and manufacturing.
Odisha to play role in rare earth ecosystem
The meeting also examined Odisha’s potential role in India’s emerging rare earth ecosystem.
The Union Budget 2026-27 has proposed dedicated Rare Earth Corridors in Odisha, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, with a focus on mining, processing, research and manufacturing.
The initiative aims to develop an integrated domestic value chain for rare earth elements and strengthen India’s capabilities in advanced materials and strategic technologies.
Singh and Patra discussed taking forward rare earth exploration and related scientific capabilities in Odisha, while linking them with national priorities concerning atomic minerals, advanced materials and strategic technologies.
Odisha’s coastal mineral resources and existing scientific infrastructure were identified as potential strengths for developing the sector.
Deep-sea fisheries and Science City
The discussions also covered the Deep Ocean Mission and opportunities in deep-sea fisheries. Odisha’s long coastline and marine resources were seen as providing scope for integrating ocean science, fisheries, marine technology and coastal economic activity.
The state has launched the Odisha Deep Sea Fishing Mission (2026-2036) to tap its offshore and deep-sea fisheries potential and develop stronger value chains around the marine economy.
The proposed Science City in Odisha was also discussed as an important public-facing component of the state’s science and technology ecosystem. It is expected to promote scientific awareness, innovation and experiential learning among young people.
Greater Centre-State coordination
The meeting also explored greater collaboration among Odisha’s network of Central and national scientific institutions working in marine sciences, Earth Sciences, biotechnology, critical minerals and space applications.
The two ministers also discussed Odisha’s participation in the forthcoming ‘Swachh Sagar, Surakshit Sagar’ campaign, with several coastal districts expected to participate in coastal cleanliness activities and public awareness initiatives.
Singh and Patra agreed on the need for continued Centre-State coordination to advance the initiatives.
The proposed convergence of marine resources, biotechnology, critical minerals, space technology and scientific infrastructure is expected to provide Odisha with an opportunity to develop a distinctive science-led growth model for the eastern coastal region while contributing to India’s broader goals of technological self-reliance and sustainable resource utilisation.
