Keralam showcases strengths as a vibrant destination for Life Sciences stream

Investors will have no hassles: CM Shri V D Satheesan, Minister Shri Kunhalikutty

Trivandrum / October 8, 2026

Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 08: Seeking to scale up industrial partnership, innovation and investment in Life Sciences ecosystem in Keralam, the two-day International Life Sciences Industries Expo and Conclave,‘Bio Connect 4.0’ opened here today with Chief Minister Shri V D Satheesan assuring all supports to investors and innovators in the fast-growing sector.

In his online address to the inaugural session of the event, Shri Satheesan noted that within a few days of coming to power, the State Government fast-tracked the investment procedure by putting in place a mechanism called ‘Saral Kerala’, (Simplified and Accelerated Regulatory Approvals and Licenses) that facilitates all clearances at one go.

Shri P K Kunhalikutty, Minister for Industries, IT & AI, inaugurated Bio Connect 4.0

Holding that Keralam is well prepared to collaborate with investors from India and abroad with innovative ideas and cutting-edge technologies, the Chief Minister said investments in the life sciences vertical are especially important for strengthening the state’s healthcare system where new technologies play a major role.

The state government’s vision is that knowledge should convert into discoveries and discoveries into solutions that ultimately benefit all people, which is the central aim of initiatives like Bio Connect 4.0, he said.

Noting that Keralam is an ideal destination for research, innovation and enterprises in life sciences stream, Shri Satheesan said the state is showcasing its plus points to the entire world so that investors will come and leverage them on a global scale.

In his presidential address to the conclave, Shri Kunhalikutty said Kerala has all the strengths required for a big leap as a global Life Sciences destination.

“We offer an ideal ecosystem for major players in the domain to invest and scale globally. The Keralam market is also good. There is also scope for integration of many branches,” he said.

Shri Kunhalikutty said the views and perspectives emerging from the conference would be seriously considered by the government and incorporated in its policies.

Setting the context for deliberations at the conclave, Shri APM Mohammed Hanish, Additional Chief Secretary, Industries & Commerce, made a presentation highlighting the strategic advantages offered by Keralam as a destination for innovation and investment.

The state government has set a practical agenda for partners to innovate and invest in different streams of Life Sciences like developing devices, diagnostics, medical grade biomaterials, nutraceuticals, biologically-derived materials and Research and Development Services, Shri Hanish pointed out.

Shri C Balagopal, Chairman, Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation (KSIDC), said the state needs to adopt a strategic paradigm of capturing all stages of value-chain in Life Sciences stream from ideation to final product, instead of being obsessed entirely with manufacturing.

In a special address to the conclave, Shri Jayakrishna Ambati, Founding Director, Center for Advanced Vision Science (CAVS) & CEO Inflammasomes, USA, said India should leverage its advantages to emerge as a major player in this rapidly changing domain, at a time when the centre of gravity in innovation and research is shifting from one side of the globe to the other.

Welcoming the stakeholders and experts converged for the event, Shri Snehil Kumar Singh, Managing Director KSIDC & KLIP, said the conclave was meant to further strengthen the ecosystem and foster partnerships. Dr, CN Ramchand, Director KLIP and CEO MagGenome Technologies and Shri Jose Kurian Mundackal, General Manager KSIDC and CEO KLIP were also present at the inaugural session.

The opening session also saw exchange of 3 MoUs & 4 Expressions of Interest (EoIs) by a set of leading players in the domain for an investment value of Rs. 713 Crores. These include Bharat Biome Life Sciences Pvt Ltd, Central public sectorenterprises Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (BRIC-RGCB) and HLL Lifecare Limited, In.Vent India Diagnostica Pvt Ltd, Aqua Nova Biosystems Pvt ltd, Medgrow Bio Life Solutions Pvt Ltd and Foot Pro Solutions Pvt Ltd.

Bio Connect 4.0 features keynote addresses, panel discussions, exhibitions, product launches by industry and startups, B2B and B2G networking sessions, showcasing of R&D institutions and structured interactions that facilitate technology transfer and industry partnerships.

The major objectives of the event include attracting industrial partners and investors from across the Life Sciences ecosystem to establish and expand their operations in Keralam, particularly at Bio 360 Life Sciences Park. The event also aims at strengthening industry linkages and creating business, networking, and partnership opportunities among stakeholders across the Life Sciences value chain.

Ends