Gujarat to turn ocean into next big industry: Rs 100 crore marine biotech

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The Economic Times daily newspaper is available online now. Read Today's Paper Gujarat to turn ocean into next big industry: Rs 100 crore marine biotech corridor planned in Porbandar; seaweed, algae & microbes could soon fuel new business boomET OnlineLast Updated: Oct 08, 2026, 02:10:00 PM ISTSynopsis

An initiative of the Gujarat State Biotechnology Mission (GSBTM), Department of Science and Technology, the proposed corridor is envisioned as an integrated ecosystem connecting marine science, biotechnology research, field cultivation, technology development, pilot-scale biomanufacturing, entrepreneurship and commercialisation, according to the Chief Minister's Office.

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Loading...×Gujarat is planning to invest Rs 100 crore over five years to develop a Marine Biotechnology Research & Innovation Corridor (M-BRIC) in Mocha village in Porbandar district. The proposed project aims to turn the state's marine biological resources into high-value products while creating new business and livelihood opportunities for coastal communities. The initiative is being led by the Gujarat State Biotechnology Mission (GSBTM) under the Department of Science and Technology. It is planned as an integrated ecosystem connecting marine research, biotechnology, manufacturing, startups and commercialisation.

Gujarat marine biotechnology corridor: What is M-BRIC?

The proposed M-BRIC corridor will bring government departments, research institutions, universities, industries, startups, MSMEs and coastal communities together on a common platform. The objective is to build a complete value chain, from identifying marine biological resources and conducting research to developing technologies, testing products, scaling up manufacturing and taking them to the market.

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The government plans to use technologies such as genomics, bioinformatics and advanced bioprocessing to develop products from marine resources.

Rs 100 crore investment over five years

The Gujarat government has proposed an investment of Rs 100 crore over five years for the development of the corridor. An MoU is proposed between GSBTM, the Department of Science and Technology and CSIR-Central Salt and Marine Chemicals Research Institute (CSIR-CSMCRI) for setting up M-BRIC.

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CSIR-CSMCRI is expected to serve as a key scientific partner, contributing expertise in areas including seaweed biotechnology, marine bioproducts, saline agriculture, bioprocessing and technology transfer.

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Mocha in Porbandar to be the main hub

Mocha village in Porbandar district has been identified as the principal hub for the proposed marine biotechnology corridor. The location is expected to connect marine research with field cultivation, processing, entrepreneurship and participation from coastal communities. The network could also extend to other parts of Saurashtra and Gujarat's coastline. Microalgal biorefineries are proposed at salt-pan facilities associated with CSIR-CSMCRI in Bhavnagar.

Seaweed processing cluster planned

A dedicated seaweed-processing cluster is also part of the proposal. It will have facilities for receiving, washing, pre-processing, extracting, drying, powdering, packaging, storing and quality testing seaweed. A state-level seaweed brood bank is proposed to supply elite planting material of Kappaphycus alvarezii and Gracilaria dura.

The corridor will also explore the production of seaweed-derived substances such as agar, alginate and carrageenan, which are used across multiple industries.

From seaweed to nutraceuticals and biofertilisers

Gujarat's marine resources, including seaweed, microalgae, marine microorganisms and saline ecosystems, could be used to develop a range of products.

The proposed applications include:

• Biofertilisers and biostimulants
• Nutraceuticals and cosmeceuticals
• Aquafeed and animal nutrition products
• Enzymes and biosurfactants
• Pharmaceutical intermediates
• Marine-derived biomaterials
• Omega-3 fatty acids and other bioactive compounds
• Phycocolloids and other seaweed-based products

The focus will be on moving beyond the conventional extraction of marine resources towards technology-driven industries with greater value addition.

Startups and pilot manufacturing to get support

M-BRIC is also expected to include incubation facilities for startups and entrepreneurs. Pilot-scale bioprocessing and biomanufacturing facilities will help companies test technologies and products before moving towards commercial-scale production.

The proposed ecosystem will also support prototype development, intellectual property protection, regulatory assessment, licensing and technology transfer.

Coastal communities to get training

The project is not limited to industrial development. The government plans capacity-building programmes for coastal youth, seaweed farmers, fishing communities, women-led enterprises, MSMEs, students and entrepreneurs. Training could cover seaweed cultivation, aquaculture, marine biotechnology, genomics, bioinformatics, natural products, bioprocessing and entrepreneurship.

The initiative is intended to create new livelihood opportunities while connecting local communities with the growing marine biotechnology industry.

Blue economy and sustainability focus

Environmental sustainability is expected to be a key part of the proposed corridor. The government plans to promote the efficient use of marine biomass through a biorefinery model, with the aim of reducing waste and increasing the value obtained from resources such as seaweed and microalgae.

The project also envisages environmental monitoring, biodiversity assessments and responsible utilisation of marine genetic resources.

Research into blue carbon and climate-resilient coastal development is another proposed area of work.

Gujarat's push for the blue bioeconomy

The M-BRIC project is being developed in line with Gujarat's biotechnology ecosystem, India's Blue Economy priorities and the BioE3 framework.

With the proposed Rs 100 crore investment, Gujarat aims to create a dedicated platform where marine research can move from laboratories to commercial products, while also supporting startups, industries and coastal livelihoods.

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