Karnataka approves Marine Biotechnology Policy 2026- 2031 to build high-value blue bioeconomy

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The Government of Karnataka has approved the Karnataka Marine Biotechnology Policy 2026-2031, a five-year framework aimed at unlocking the economic potential of the State’s marine and coastal resources and positioning Karnataka as a leading hub for Marine Biotechnology and the Blue Bioeconomy.

With a 343.3-km coastline, established marine science and fisheries institutions, a growing biotechnology ecosystem and a strong base of scientific talent, Karnataka seeks to move beyond traditional coastal activities towards high-value applications in marine biotechnology, biomanufacturing, seaweed-based products, marine biomaterials and sustainable marine enterprises.

The policy aims to grow Karnataka’s Blue Bioeconomy from approximately $2 billion to $6–8 billion by 2031, while helping the State secure a larger share of India’s emerging Blue Bioeconomy opportunity. It will focus on translating marine science and research into commercial applications, strengthening coastal innovation infrastructure, creating new enterprise and employment opportunities, and promoting sustainable utilisation of marine resources.

The policy has a proposed five-year budget of Rs 120 crore, including investments in KIMBE, Marine Biotechnology Zones, the Seaweed Value Addition PLI, the Karnataka Pilot Blue Carbon Certification Programme.

The policy seeks to strengthen the entire value chain from research and bioprospecting to product development, prototyping, commercialisation and investment, enabling greater participation from startups, industry and research institutions.