Top players in pharma, entertainment keen to invest in Kerala
High-level Kerala delegation meets stakeholders in Telangana
Trivandrum / August 23, 2025
Thiruvananthapuram, Aug. 23: Impressed by Kerala's exceptional facilities and rich talent pool, country’s leading players from pharma, gaming-entertainment and film post-production sectors have expressed significant interest in investing in the state.
Earlier this week, a high-level delegation from Kerala travelled to Telangana to engage in productive discussions with top industry stakeholders and explore potential collaborative opportunities.
“This three-day visit paved the way for strategic partnerships that could greatly benefit both Kerala and Telangana,” said APM Mohammed Hanish, Principal Secretary (Industries), who led the delegation.
“It fostered meaningful connections and unveiled new avenues for collaboration across various sectors, including entertainment, pharmaceuticals, life sciences, research, and skill development.”
The delegation included the Director of Industries and Commerce, Shri Vishnuraj P., IAS; Executive Director of Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation (KSIDC), Shri Hari Krishnan R; Managing Director of Kerala Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (KINFRA), Shri Santhosh Koshy Thomas and other senior officials from the Industries and Commerce Department were part of the delegation.
During their visit, they toured prominent industrial and entertainment facilities, including LB Prasad Studio and major pharmaceutical companies like Novartis, as well as the cutting-edge Genome Valley, Bharat Biotech, and Telangana Skill University. They held discussions with various promoters and top executives.
At LB Prasad Studio, the focus was on a new project at KINFRA Park in Thiruvananthapuram, where an investment of ₹100 crore is planned on a 3.5-acre site to establish a state-of-the-art film post-production facility, along with a gaming and entertainment zone. This project, which aims to enhance Kerala's film production capabilities, is expected to commence soon.
Additionally, LB Prasad Studio expressed a strong interest in pursuing further investments in Kerala, particularly in entertainment-related initiatives and the growing tourism sector.
The delegation met with representatives from Novartis, one of the largest pharmaceutical corporations globally, who showed a keen interest in research and development (R&D) focused on immunology-related disorders and rare diseases.
Novartis received an invitation to Kerala to explore collaborative efforts with local research institutes aimed at fostering healthcare innovation.
At Bharat Biotech, the delegation engaged in extensive discussions with CEO Dr Krishna Ella and his team regarding upcoming projects. Bharat Biotech is on track to launch a new facility in Angamaly, Ernakulam, with the foundation stone-laying ceremony scheduled for September. Additional discussions including investment opportunities and collaborations in food and agriculture that could be developed in Kerala were also explored.
The team also visited Genome Valley, known as India’s first dedicated life sciences cluster near Hyderabad, which gives one anidea of the life sciences ecosystem. Here, they explored the advanced research infrastructure and scientific facilities provided by J&B Ventures, a firm that supports both established and emerging companies within Genome Valley.
The delegation’s visit to the GV Research Platform animal research centre offered insights into disease model analysis and innovative scientific testing protocols.
Furthermore, the delegation visited Biological E Ltd., recognised for its expertise in branded formulations, speciality generic injectables, and vaccines and biologics.
The delegation also visited the state-of-the-art cleanroom facilities at Innopolis, that operates under GV Ventures. Detailed discussions were held about their Rs. 200 crores investment platform aimed at financing startups in the life sciences sector, along with potential collaborations with Kerala-based startups. They also reviewed previously submitted investment plans for the Kerala Life Sciences Park (KLIP).
Additionally, the delegation visited the temporary campus of Telangana Skill University, where they engaged with the Vice Chancellor to gain insights into the institution's operational model and approach to skill development.
The team also visited the JV Ventures head office and their infrastructure established in the Genome Valley. The subsidiary company of JV ventures, named MN facility, has submitted an application to set up a life sciences district in 60 acres at the Bio 360 Life Sciences Park, Thiruvananthapuram with an investment of Rs.3,497 crores and an estimated employment generation of 8,600 over 10 years.
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