During the inaugural function of the Innovation Complex of Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR), Mumbai, the CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography (NIO), Goa, signed Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) and Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) with leading companies to drive innovation in the field of marine biotechnology.
The event was attended by the Guests of Honour — Dr. V. K. Saraswat and Dr. V. K. Paul, who are members of NITI Aayog. The MoU and NDA were exchanged in the presence of Dr. N. Kalaiselvi, Director General of CSIR, and Secretary, Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR).
The NIO signed an NDA with Shaivaa Algaetech LLP, Surat, to scale up the production of the high-value bioactive pigment fucoxanthin from marine microalgae. An MoU was signed with HiMedia Laboratories Pvt. Ltd., Mumbai, for the development of specialised media to culture marine extremophiles. Another MoU was signed with Organica Biotech Pvt. Ltd., Mumbai, to develop sustainable bioremediation solutions using marine microorganisms for eco-friendly pollution control and waste treatment.
The agreements were exchanged by Prof. Sunil Kumar Singh, Director, NIO, and representatives of the collaborating companies, including Yashraj M. Jariwala, CEO – Shaivaa Algaetech LLP; Dr. Girish Mahajan, Senior Vice President, HiMedia Laboratories; and Dr. Prafull Ranadive, Head of Research and Development, Organica Biotech.
Dr. Narsinh Thakur, Coordinator, Patent & Technology Cell, CNIO, and Dr. Jagadish Patil, MoU Desk, NIO, were instrumental in facilitating the collaborations.
The ceremony showcased the NIO’s focus on building strong industry collaborations for the sustainable use of marine living resources in bioprospecting.