Bhubaneswar: In a significant move set to propel Odisha into a new era of scientific and economic advancement, the State Cabinet today approved the ambitious “Development of Biotechnology” scheme.
Chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, the cabinet meeting gave its green light to the comprehensive initiative, designed to foster a robust biotechnology ecosystem within the state.
The scheme, with an estimated outlay of Rs. 1113.50 Crore, will be implemented over a five-year period, commencing from the fiscal year 2025-26 and concluding in 2029-30. Its core objectives are multifaceted, aiming to leverage biotechnology for both socio-economic development and global competitiveness.
Speaking to Media after the cabinet meeting, Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja highlighted the transformative potential of the approved scheme.
“Biotechnology is a frontier science with immense possibilities, and Odisha is poised to harness its power for the benefit of our people and economy,” the Chief Secretary stated.
The “Development of Biotechnology” scheme is built upon a strategic framework with several key objectives:
- Promoting Higher Education, Research, and Infrastructure: A cornerstone of the scheme is the commitment to bolstering the foundational pillars of biotechnology. This includes significant investments in higher education institutions to create a skilled workforce, fostering cutting-edge research endeavors, and developing state-of-the-art infrastructure essential for advanced biotechnological pursuits.
- Building a Vibrant Ecosystem for 5Is: The scheme aims to cultivate a supportive and dynamic environment conducive to “Innovation, Incubation, Investment, Income, and Impact.” This integrated approach seeks to nurture new ideas, provide platforms for their development (incubation), attract crucial funding (investment), generate economic returns (income), and ultimately create a positive societal impact through the establishment of new enterprises and industries.
- Realigning Academic Excellence with Industry Needs: Recognizing the critical need for a workforce tailored to industry demands, the scheme will focus on realigning academic curricula, enhancing skill development programs, and building capacity to ensure graduates are industry-ready and possess the expertise required by the burgeoning biotechnology sector.
- Fostering Product/Process Development and Commercialization: A key focus will be on translating scientific breakthroughs into tangible products and efficient processes. The scheme will actively promote research leading to patentable innovations, facilitate their commercialization, and strategize for Intellectual Property (IP) monetization, ensuring that research outputs have real-world applications and generate revenue.
- Leveraging Breakthrough Innovations for Socio-Economic Development: Ultimately, the scheme aims to utilize cutting-edge biotechnology innovations and knowledge to address pressing societal challenges and drive socio-economic progress across the state. This could include advancements in healthcare, agriculture, environmental sustainability, and industrial processes.
The approval of this scheme underscores the Shri Majhi government’s commitment to fostering a knowledge-based economy and positioning Odisha as a leader in emerging technologies.
By investing significantly in biotechnology, the state is not only looking to create new employment opportunities and attract investment but also to contribute to global scientific advancements and improve the quality of life for its citizens. The coming five years are set to witness a significant transformation in Odisha’s scientific landscape, with biotechnology at its forefront.