The Department of IT, BT and S&T, Government of Karnataka, in collaboration with NITTE (Deemed to be University), has established the NITTE-GOK Centre of Excellence in Aquamarine Innovation (NITTE-GOK COE | AQUAMARIN) at the NITTE University Centre for Science Education & Research (NUCSER). Envisioned as a hub for research, innovation, capacity building, and outreach in AquaBio innovations and Translational Research, the Centre aims to bring together scientists, industry experts, and policymakers to work towards economic growth while ensuring the sustainability of marine ecosystems in Karnataka. The Centre was inaugurated on 24th September 2025 by Shri Priyank M Kharge, Honorable Minister of Electronics, IT, BT & S&T, and RDPR, along with Shri Rahul Sharanappa Sankanur, Managing Director, KITS. Addressing the gathering, Shri Priyank M Kharge highlighted the provisions of the Karnataka Biotechnology Policy, urging academic institutions to pioneer research that can position Mangaluru and India as global leaders in Biotechnology. He applauded the efforts of institutions like NITTE for harnessing indigenous potential and driving global excellence. Shri Rahul Sharanappa Sankanur introduced the Local Economy Accelerator Program (LEAP) and ELEVATE programs of the Government of Karnataka, which focus on identifying and nurturing innovations and entrepreneurship. He emphasized the critical role of translational research and how Centres of Excellence like AQUAMARIN can make a real impact. On behalf of NITTE, Pro-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Shantaram Shetty and Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. M. S. Moodithaya assured the dignitaries that the University would extend its full commitment to achieving the vision of the CoE. The inauguration was also graced by Mr. Vinayak Karbari, Chief Executive Officer of Dakshina Kannada Zilla Panchayat, and Prof. Dr. Harsha Halahalli, Registrar of NITTE DU. The Centre of Excellence will be led by Prof. Dr. Anirban Chakraborty, Director of NUCSER, as the Principal Investigator, leading an eight-member team of administrative staff and scientists. With this initiative, NITTE DU and the Government of Karnataka aim to create a platform that fosters innovation, nurtures talent, and safeguards marine resources for a sustainable future.