FUTURISTIC MARINE & SPACE BIOTECHNOLOGY

News: Futuristic space and marine biotechnology research focuses on using underexplored environments, such as the deep oceans and outer space, to develop new biological knowledge, materials, and manufacturing processes.

Marine Biotechnology

Marine biotechnology uses marine organisms (microbes, algae, seaweeds, marine animals) to develop:

• Bioactive compounds (drugs, nutraceuticals)
• Biomaterials (bioplastics, biopolymers)
• Food ingredients (agar, carrageenan, alginates)
• Enzymes and bio-stimulants
• These organisms survive extreme conditions

Importance of these technologies

• India has a 7,500 km coastline, an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of over 2 million sq km, rich marine biodiversity, but low global marine output, indicates huge untapped potential
• Marine bio-manufacturing can create new sources of food, energy, chemicals

Policy & Missions Supporting Growth

• Blue Economy agenda Deep Ocean Mission, BioE3 Policy (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment & Employment)
• Public Institutions: Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)

Key Challenge for India

• Slow and fragmented R&D
• Lack of a dedicated roadmap

Way ahead

• Clear timelines
• Mission-mode approach
• Better coordination between Science, Industry, Policy
• Early movers will gain long-term strategic and technological advantages