State clears marine biotech policy

Udupi: Karnataka has approved a five-year policy for marine biotechnology that seeks to turn the state's coastal and marine resources into a larger commercial sector, with the government targeting growth in the blue bioeconomy from about $2 billion currently to $6-8 billion by 2031.

Deputy Chief Minister Dr. G Parameshwara said the Karnataka Marine Biotechnology Policy 2026-31 would focus on marine research, technology development and commercialisation, seaweed processing, marine biomaterials, biomanufacturing and sustainable marine enterprises.

The policy has a proposed budget of Rs. 120 crore and is aimed at linking Karnataka's marine science and fisheries institutions with its wider biotechnology and startup ecosystem.

A central element is the proposed Karnataka Institute of Marine Biotechnology and Blue Economy (KIMBE), which is expected to serve as an institutional base for marine research, innovation and commercialisation.

The policy also proposes Marine Biotechnology Zones in collaboration with the Fisheries Department. These zones are envisaged with shared infrastructure, testing facilities, logistics and plug-and-play facilities for companies working in the sector.

Dr. Parameshwara said Karnataka's coastline, marine biodiversity, scientific institutions and pool of scientific and entrepreneurial talent provided a base for developing the blue bioeconomy.

The policy places particular emphasis on seaweed. A proposed Seaweed Value Addition-Production Linked Incentive is intended to encourage companies to manufacture products such as hydrocolloids, nutraceuticals, biofertilisers, biostimulants, biomaterials, bioplastics, bio-based chemicals and biofuels.

Another proposed initiative is a pilot blue-carbon certification programme to scientifically assess carbon sequestration from seaweed cultivation and other eligible coastal ecosystems.

A Marine Bioinnovation and Startup Incubation Centre is also proposed to support prototyping, pilot projects, technology validation and commercialisation.

The government estimates that the policy could generate around 2,500 high-value technical jobs and 7,500 coastal enterprise and livelihood opportunities. These are policy projections.

The state also intends to strengthen the research-to-market chain, covering marine bioprospecting, product development, prototyping, commercialisation and investment. Karnataka plans to build on institutions such as the College of Fisheries in Mangaluru, Karnataka University, Dharwad, and marine biotechnology programmes at NITTE, along with its wider biotechnology and life-sciences ecosystem.

Potential applications identified under the policy include pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, cosmetics, biofertilisers, biostimulants, biodegradable plastics and marine biomaterials.

The proposed Rs. 120-crore allocation will cover initiatives including KIMBE, Marine Biotechnology Zones, the seaweed value-addition incentive and the blue-carbon certification programme.

Dr. Parameshwara said the policy was intended to promote economic activity based on marine resources while ensuring sustainable use of coastal and marine ecosystems.

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