Bhubaneswar: Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh on Tuesday outlined an integrated science and technology roadmap for Odisha. The plan brings together the Centre’s Rare Earth Corridor proposal, the state’s marine and coastal resources, its biotechnology ecosystem, space capabilities and scientific institutions.
Dr. Singh discussed the roadmap with Odisha’s Cabinet Minister for Science & Technology, Krushna Chandra Patra. During the meeting, the state minister presented several proposals covering marine biotechnology expansion, life sciences infrastructure, coastal and mineral resource utilisation, space applications, rare earth exploration and coastal district participation in national marine initiatives.
The meeting finalised the expansion of the Institute of Life Sciences, Bhubaneswar. The Odisha government will provide an additional 50 acres of land for the institute, which falls under the Department of Biotechnology.
Dr. Singh said the Eastern Coastal Region could play a larger role in India’s nuclear and marine roadmap. He noted that Odisha was well placed to contribute through coordinated efforts between central institutions and the state government. The approach seeks to connect ocean resources, critical minerals, life sciences, space technology and economic development into a single ecosystem.
A key focus was the Odisha Marine Biotechnology Research & Innovation Corridor, known as OMBRIC. It has already partnered with IIT Bhubaneswar, Berhampur University, Fakir Mohan University, NIT Rourkela, IISER Berhampur and the Institute of Life Sciences. The next phase will align this network more closely with Earth Sciences, CSIR and the Department of Biotechnology.
The expanded Institute of Life Sciences campus is expected to strengthen research linked to the Bio-E3 framework, which covers biotechnology for economy, environment and employment. Officials said this held particular importance for Odisha given its coastline and marine biodiversity.
The discussions also covered a proposed Space Research and Manufacturing Centre in Odisha, to be developed in partnership with ISRO under a public-private partnership model.
On rare earths, the Union Budget 2026-27 had announced dedicated Rare Earth Corridors in Odisha, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. These corridors will focus on mining, processing, research and manufacturing to build a domestic rare earth value chain. Officials noted that Odisha already has an established presence in rare earth processing.
The Deep Ocean Mission and deep-sea fisheries also featured in the talks. Odisha recently launched its Deep Sea Fishing Mission for 2026–2036, aimed at expanding offshore fisheries and strengthening marine economy value chains.
A proposed Science City in Odisha was discussed as a public platform for scientific awareness and youth engagement. Officials also referred to Odisha’s participation in the upcoming Swachh Sagar, Surakshit Sagar campaign, which will involve coastal districts in cleanliness and marine awareness activities.
Both leaders agreed on the need for continued Centre-State coordination to take these initiatives forward.
