Marine biomanufacturing harnesses the power of ocean organisms—such as microbes, algae, and seaweeds—to develop sustainable, high-value products. By integrating marine biology with modern biotechnology, this sector offers eco-friendly alternatives to resource-intensive land and petrochemical processes. India’s long coastline, diverse marine ecosystems, and growing need for sustainable materials provide strong opportunities for innovation. Seaweed cultivation, marine-derived nutraceuticals, and bioactive compounds hold significant potential to strengthen the country’s emerging blue economy. Challenges such as limited marine microbial research, scaling up cultivation systems, and improving bioprocess efficiency still need attention. But with expanding scientific capabilities and deeper exploration of Indian ocean resources, marine biomanufacturing is poised to become a key driver of clean growth and a more resilient, ocean-led bioeconomy.
Under the Futuristic marine research vertical, biotechnology solutions will be developed for efficient utilization of available marine resources and creating value chains and business case for marine bioresources.
Some of the key focus areas are: R&D in Seaweed Cultivation: Breeding for traits such as high yield; disease resistance and climate tolerance; strain improvement through genome assisted approaches for indigenous species of seaweed; Developing integrated multi -trophic aquaculture system; Developing recombinant thermo- and halostable enzymes for efficient conversion of algal feedstock or primary biochemical constituents’ to diverse value-added products; Developing scalable farming techniques for large scale production of seaweeds/algae in offshore waters and onshore; Development of value added products such as biofuels; animal feed supplements for animal health and methane reduction; agri inputs & fertilizers; pharmaceuticals such as drugs/immunomodulators; nutraceutical products; biodegradable plastics etc. from micro & macro algae; Biomanufacturing of aquatic animal health management products such as probiotics; immunostimulants/modulators, bio augmenters etc.
Inter-ministerial consultative meeting on R&D in seaweed cultivation was organised by DBT on 4th July 2025 to identify R&D challenges in seaweed cultivation. Based on this “DBT- BIRAC Joint Call for Proposal on ‘Futuristic Marine Research’ for fostering high performance Biomanufacturing under BioE3 Policy” was announced in FY 25-26. 217 proposals were received under the call and 38 projects shortlisted for financial support. Webinar on “Marine research for Biomanufacturing” was organized on 21 March 2025 which was attended by large number of participants from academia & industry. International Symposium on Tropical Seaweeds- Platform for Exchange and Advancements in Knowledge on Seaweeds (PEAKS) was organized by BRIC-ILS, Bhubaneswar on 24-25 March, 2025.
Dr. Anamika Gambhir
Scientist ‘G’
Email: anamika@dbt.nic.in
Phone: 011-24363665
Dr. Varshneya Singh
Scientist ‘D’
Email: varshneya.singh@dbt.nic.in
Phone: 011-24360295
