Gujarat Plans ₹100-Crore Marine Biotechnology Corridor at Mocha in Porbandar

Gandhinagar, October 8, 2026: The Gujarat government has proposed an investment of ₹100 crore over five years to establish a Marine Biotechnology Research & Innovation Corridor (M-BRIC) at Mocha village in Porbandar district.

The initiative, being developed by the Gujarat State Biotechnology Mission (GSBTM) under the Department of Science and Technology, aims to create an integrated ecosystem for marine research, biotechnology, biomanufacturing, startups, industrial applications and coastal livelihoods.

A memorandum of understanding (MoU) is proposed between GSBTM and the CSIR-Central Salt & Marine Chemicals Research Institute (CSIR-CSMCRI) for establishing the corridor. CSIR-CSMCRI has been identified as a key scientific partner for its expertise in seaweed biotechnology, marine bioproducts, saline agriculture, halophytes, bioprocessing and technology transfer.

The proposed M-BRIC will cover about 30 acres at Mocha and include research facilities, pilot-scale bioprocessing and biomanufacturing infrastructure, incubation facilities and industrial facilities. A dedicated seaweed-processing cluster is also planned for raw material handling, pre-processing, extraction, drying, packaging, storage and quality control.

The corridor will focus on converting marine resources such as seaweeds, microalgae and marine microorganisms into high-value products. Proposed applications include biofertilisers, biostimulants, nutraceuticals, cosmeceuticals, aquafeed, animal nutrition products, enzymes, biosurfactants, pharmaceutical intermediates and marine-derived biomaterials.

The project also proposes a state-level seaweed brood bank for Kappaphycus alvarezii and Gracilaria dura, marine microalgal biofactories for omega-3 fatty acids and other bioactive compounds, and an integrated seaweed biorefinery for phycocolloids and other value-added products.

Research facilities are proposed for marine bioprospecting, genomics, microbiology, natural products and biotechnology development. The ecosystem is also expected to support startups and entrepreneurs through technology validation, intellectual property protection, regulatory assessment, licensing and technology transfer.

Activities under the corridor may extend beyond Mocha to other parts of Saurashtra and Gujarat’s coastline. Microalgal biorefineries are also proposed at salt-pan facilities associated with CSIR-CSMCRI in Bhavnagar.

The initiative includes a skill-development component aimed at coastal youth, seaweed farmers, fishing communities, women-led enterprises, MSMEs, students and industry professionals. Training areas are proposed to include seaweed cultivation, aquaculture, marine biotechnology, genomics, bioinformatics, bioprocessing, environmental monitoring and entrepreneurship.

Environmental sustainability is also part of the proposed framework, with plans for biodiversity assessment, environmental monitoring and responsible utilisation of marine biological resources. The project will also explore applications related to blue carbon and climate-resilient coastal development.

The Gujarat government said the corridor is intended to connect marine resource exploration with research, technology development, manufacturing and market access, while creating opportunities for coastal communities and marine biotechnology-based industries.

The project is proposed in alignment with Gujarat’s biotechnology ecosystem, the BioE3 framework and India’s Blue Economy priorities.