Archive · 19 Sep 2026
Karnataka Clears Five-Year Marine Biotechnology Policy to Expand Blue Economy
Karnataka has approved a five-year plan to develop businesses using marine resources.
The plan covers research, technology, seaweed processing and other biotechnology activities.
The government has proposed spending Rs.
120 crore on the programme.
It wants the blue bioeconomy to grow from about $2 billion to as much as $8 billion by 2031.
A new institute could support marine research and help turn discoveries into products.
Special marine biotechnology zones could provide companies with laboratories, testing and other shared facilities.
Seaweed businesses could receive incentives to make products such as fertilisers, plastics and health supplements.
The plan also includes a pilot programme to measure carbon captured by seaweed and coastal ecosystems.
The government projects new technical jobs and coastal livelihood opportunities, while saying marine resources must be used sustainably.
Karnataka approved the 2026–31 Marine Biotechnology Policy with a proposed budget of Rs. 120 crore.
The state aims to grow its blue bioeconomy from about $2 billion to $6–8 billion by 2031.
The policy proposes the Karnataka Institute of Marine Biotechnology and Blue Economy and Marine Biotechnology Zones.
Seaweed initiatives would support products including nutraceuticals, biofertilisers, bioplastics, biomaterials and biofuels.
The government projects around 2,500 technical jobs and 7,500 coastal enterprise and livelihood opportunities.
- Who
- The Karnataka government, led on the announcement by Deputy Chief Minister Dr. G. Parameshwara, approved the policy.
- What
- A five-year Karnataka Marine Biotechnology Policy for research, commercialisation, seaweed processing, biomanufacturing and sustainable marine enterprises.
- When
- The policy covers 2026–31, with the blue bioeconomy target set for 2031.
- Where
- Karnataka, including its coastal and marine areas.
- Why
- To expand the blue bioeconomy, connect marine institutions with biotechnology and startups, create economic opportunities and promote sustainable use of marine ecosystems.
- Policy period
- 2026–31
- Proposed budget
- Rs. 120 crore
- Current blue bioeconomy
- About $2 billion
- 2031 target
- $6–8 billion
- Proposed institute
- Karnataka Institute of Marine Biotechnology and Blue Economy (KIMBE)
- Projected technical jobs
- Around 2,500
- Projected coastal opportunities
- Around 7,500 enterprise and livelihood opportunities