Source: The post “What is futuristic marine and space biotechnology?’’ has been created, based on “What is futuristic marine and space biotechnology?” published in “The Hindu” on 15th January 2026.
UPSC Syllabus: GS Paper-3- Science and technology
Context: Rapid advances in futuristic biotechnology are expanding the frontiers of bioeconomic growth beyond land-based systems to deep oceans and outer space.
About futuristic marine and space biotechnology
- Futuristic marine biotechnology focuses on studying marine organisms such as microorganisms, algae, and deep-sea life to develop bioactive compounds, enzymes, biomaterials, food ingredients, and climate-resilient industrial inputs.
- These organisms possess unique biological properties because they survive under extreme conditions such as high pressure, high salinity, low light, and nutrient scarcity.
- Space biotechnology studies the behaviour of microbes, plants, and human biological systems under microgravity and radiation conditions.
- It includes research on microbial biomanufacturing, food production, life-support systems, and astronaut health for long-duration space missions.
Need of marine and space biotechnology
- India’s coastline of over 11,000 km and an Exclusive Economic Zone of more than 2 million square kilometres provide access to vast marine biodiversity.
- Marine biomanufacturing can help generate new sources of food, chemicals, energy, and biomaterials while reducing pressure on land and freshwater resources.
- Space biotechnology is essential for India’s long-term space ambitions, including human spaceflight and sustained presence in space.
- Together, these technologies can strengthen India’s bioeconomy, enhance strategic autonomy, and support sustainable development.
Status of India with regards to marine and space biotechnology
- India’s marine biomass production, particularly seaweed cultivation, remains limited at around 70,000 tonnes annually.
- India continues to depend on imports for seaweed-derived products such as agar, carrageenan, and alginates used in pharmaceuticals and food industries.
- Government initiatives such as the Blue Economy agenda, the Deep Ocean Mission, and BioE3 aim to promote integrated marine biomanufacturing.
- Institutions like ICAR–Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute and private players such as Sea6 Energy are working to scale marine biotech applications.
- In space biotechnology, ISRO conducts microgravity experiments on microbes, algae, and biological systems to support food production and life-support research.
- Private-sector participation in space biotechnology remains limited due to the early-stage nature of the sector.
Other Countries Status with regards to marine and space biotechnology
- The European Union supports marine bioprospecting and algae-based biomaterials through shared research infrastructure.
- China has rapidly expanded seaweed aquaculture and integrated marine biotechnology with industrial production.
- The United States leads space biotechnology research through NASA and experiments aboard the International Space Station.
- Countries such as Japan, Australia, and members of the European Space Agency also invest in plant growth, microbiomes, and biomaterials research in space.
Way forward
- Marine and space biotechnology are emerging strategic sectors where early investment can provide long-term technological advantages.
- India must develop biological technologies tailored to its own ecological conditions and population needs.
- The major challenge lies in fragmented research efforts and slow translation from laboratory to industry.
- A dedicated national roadmap with clear timelines, institutional coordination, and targeted funding is essential to position India as a global leader in biomanufacturing.
Question: Discuss the significance of futuristic marine and space biotechnology for India’s bioeconomy and strategic autonomy. Suggest measures to strengthen India’s leadership in these emerging sectors.
Source: The Hindu
