Govt of Karnataka sets up Centre of Excellence in Aquamarine Innovation at NITTE

Govt of Karnataka sets up Centre of Excellence in Aquamarine Innovation at NITTE

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Sep 25, 2025: The Department of IT, BT and S&T, Government of Karnataka, has set up the NITTE–GOK Centre of Excellence in Aquamarine Innovation (NITTE-GOK COE | AQUAMARIN) at the Nitte University Centre for Science Education & Research (NUCSER), a premier research institute under Nitte (Deemed to be University).

The CoE will act as a hub for research, innovation, capacity building, and outreach in AquaBio innovations and translational research. It aims to provide a collaborative platform for scientists, industry leaders, and policymakers to drive economic growth while ensuring the sustainability of Karnataka’s marine ecosystems.

 

 

 

 

 

The centre was inaugurated on September 24, 2025, by Shri Priyank M Kharge, Minister for Electronics, IT/BT, S&T and RDPR, along with Shri Rahul Sharanappa Sankanur, Managing Director, KITS.

Addressing the gathering, Minister Kharge highlighted the opportunities under the state’s Biotechnology Policy and urged academic institutions to pursue cutting-edge research that can position Mangaluru and India as leaders in biotechnology. He praised NITTE’s role in harnessing indigenous potential and promoting global excellence.

Shri Rahul Sharanappa Sankanur introduced the Local Economy Accelerator Program (LEAP) and ELEVATE initiatives, stressing the importance of translational research and the role of Centres of Excellence in nurturing innovation and entrepreneurship.

Nitte DU Pro-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Shantaram Shetty and Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. M.S. Moodithaya assured full support in realizing the objectives of the new CoE. Also present were Mr. Vinayak Karbari, CEO of Dakshina Kannada Zilla Panchayat, and Prof. Dr. Harsha Halahalli, Registrar of Nitte DU.

The centre will be led by Prof. Dr. Anirban Chakraborty, Director of NUCSER, as Principal Investigator, supported by an eight-member team including marine biology scientists, administrative staff, and office personnel.