Thiruvananthapuram: Stakeholders and experts in the life sciences sector have highlighted Keralam’s potential to emerge as a major investment destination by integrating its existing strengths across research, healthcare, biopharma, traditional systems of medicine and manufacturing at Bio Connect 4.0.
Speaking on the opening day of the two-day International Life Sciences Industries Expo and Conclave, Bio Connect 4.0, the experts said Keralam has the necessary strengths to build an integrated life sciences ecosystem.
The stakeholders also emphasised the need to create stronger pathways from scientific discovery to commercialisation by leveraging Keralam’s healthcare infrastructure, skilled workforce, research institutions, connectivity and growing ecosystem of companies and support facilities.
Keralam Can Become Global Wellness Capital
Prof. T. Ramasami, former Secretary, Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, said Keralam could position itself as a global wellness capital by integrating the knowledge and capabilities available across the state.
“Keralam has always served as a window to the world. Beyond that, Keralam can position itself as a global centre of attention,” Prof. Ramasami said, adding that a roadmap would be required to achieve this ambition.
Speaking at Bio Connect 4.0, Prof. Ramasami said the available knowledge should be integrated and used strategically to attract greater investment into Keralam’s life sciences sector.
He also called for greater integration of Ayurveda, Siddha, Homoeopathy and Allopathy, while bringing biopharma and healthcare together with people’s wellbeing as the central focus.
Prof. Ramasami said new investments should be viewed as part of Keralam’s larger development vision. He added that the state should build on its existing strengths to attract further opportunities in life sciences and wellness.
Bio Connect 4.0: Bio 360 Life Sciences Park to Build Focused Ecosystem
Snehil Kumar Singh, Managing Director, Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation (KSIDC), welcomed life sciences companies to establish their bases in Keralam.
He said the state offers a combination of accessibility, skilled human resources, technology and a supportive business environment.
At Bio Connect 4.0, Snehil Kumar Singh said Keralam is seeking to develop Bio 360 Life Sciences Park as a focused life sciences ecosystem rather than a conventional industrial park.
According to Snehil Kumar Singh, demand for space at Bio 360 Park is already high, with KSIDC prioritising companies aligned with its life sciences vision instead of filling the facility with conventional industrial units.
He outlined an ecosystem spanning four stages — discovery, validation, manufacturing and market reach, supported by institutions including SCTIMST, RGCB and IISER, along with hospitals, medical colleges and other validation facilities across the state.
He also highlighted Keralam’s connectivity through airports, seaports and national highways as an advantage for companies looking to move products from development and manufacturing to markets.
Bio 360 Infrastructure to Support Life Sciences Companies
Bio 360 already has a range of infrastructure and capabilities, including biosafety containment laboratories, animal models, NABL-accredited laboratories, MedSpark, scale-up facilities and screening and safety infrastructure.
Snehil Kumar Singh said KSIDC plans to strengthen these components further to give companies greater confidence to establish and expand their operations in Keralam.
He said Bio 360 has so far created around 1,000 jobs, attracting about ₹300 crore in investment, with an ecosystem spanning medical devices, pharmaceuticals, research and development, Ayurveda, nutraceuticals and diagnostics.
He identified Ayurveda and nutraceuticals as areas with further potential for expansion.
Keralam’s Healthcare Infrastructure Highlighted
Snehil Kumar Singh also pointed to Keralam’s experience during the Covid-19 pandemic, particularly its healthcare infrastructure and capacity to provide hospital beds and oxygen, as a foundation on which the state can build a stronger life sciences industry.
The discussions at Bio Connect 4.0 highlighted the importance of connecting Keralam’s existing capabilities across healthcare, research, manufacturing and traditional medicine to create a broader life sciences ecosystem.
Drug Development and Biologics
In his keynote address at Bio Connect 4.0, Dr Jayakrishna Ambati, ophthalmologist and co-founder of Inflammasome Therapeutics, highlighted developments in the company’s Kamuvudine drug programme.
Shane Miersch, Chief Scientific Officer, Simisola Biologics, Canada, delivered a keynote address on the company and its work in the life sciences sector.
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