Odisha’s
Integrated Science & Technology Roadmap
Prelims:
Science
& Technology, Geography
Mains:
GS
Paper III – Science & Technology
Current
relevance:
The Central Government and Odisha Government discussed an integrated
science and technology roadmap combining the proposed Rare Earth
Corridor, marine biotechnology, life sciences, space capabilities, coastal
resources and scientific institutions to promote science-led development
in Odisha.
Highlights:
1.
Rare Earth Corridor:
i.
The Union Budget
2026–27 announced dedicated Rare Earth Corridors in Odisha,
Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.
ii.
The initiative
focuses on mining, processing, research and manufacturing to
develop an integrated domestic rare-earth value chain.
iii.
Odisha's coastal mineral resources and existing scientific capabilities provide scope
for further rare-earth exploration and technology development.
iv.
The initiative is
linked with national priorities in atomic minerals, advanced materials and
strategic technologies.
2.
Marine Biotechnology & Life Sciences:
i.
The Odisha Marine
Biotechnology Research & Innovation Corridor (OMBRIC) is being developed as
a collaborative research platform.
ii.
It has partnerships
with IIT Bhubaneswar, Berhampur University, Fakir Mohan University, NIT
Rourkela, IISER Berhampur and Institute of Life Sciences (ILS), Bhubaneswar.
iii.
OMBRIC is proposed
to be aligned more closely with Earth Sciences, CSIR and the Department of
Biotechnology.
iv.
The expansion of
Institute of Life Sciences, Bhubaneswar, under the Department of Biotechnology,
was finalised with provision for an additional 50 acres of land from the Odisha
Government.
v.
The expanded
capacity could support the Bio-E3 framework – Biotechnology for Economy,
Environment and Employment.
vi.
Odisha's marine
resources offer biotechnology opportunities in bio-resources, health, food,
materials and environmental solutions.
3.
Space & Scientific Capabilities:
i.
Discussions explored
closer alignment of Odisha's Space Applications Centre with ISRO.
ii.
The possibility of
establishing a Space Research and Manufacturing Centre in PPP mode was
discussed.
iii.
The proposed
ecosystem seeks to connect government institutions, national space agencies,
research organisations and industry for space applications, research,
technology development and manufacturing.
iv.
A proposed Science
City is envisaged to promote scientific awareness, innovation, experiential
learning and youth engagement.
4.
Ocean Resources & Blue Economy:
i.
Odisha's long
coastline and marine resource base provide opportunities to integrate ocean
science, fisheries, marine technology and coastal economic activities.
ii.
The Deep Ocean
Mission and opportunities in deep-sea fisheries formed part of the
broader coastal development agenda.
iii.
The Odisha Deep
Sea Fishing Mission (2026–2036) aims to unlock offshore and deep-sea
fisheries potential and strengthen marine value chains.
iv.
Odisha will also
participate in the ‘Swachh Sagar, Surakshit Sagar’ campaign, involving
coastal districts in coastal cleanliness and marine-environment awareness.
Source: PIB- https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2297681®=48&lang=1