Thiruvananthapuram, Aug 28 (IANS): Kerala will soon have a world-class life sciences park.
Chief Minister Oommen Chandy will Thursday lay the foundation stone of 'BIO 360', a Life Sciences Park initiated by state owned Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation (KSIDC) at the city outskirts.
The first phase of Bio 360 will come up in 75 acres land and the project would be ready in two years time.
KSIDC, the premier investment promotion agency of the Kerala government, was entrusted with the task of developing life sciences as a top destination in the country for life sciences based industries and R&D institutions.
KSIDC Managing Director Tom Jose said that the park envisages opportunities in R&D and manufacturing in the life science sector encompassing agri-biotechnology, marine biotechnology, bio-informatics, bio-medical devices and bio-pharmaceuticals.
"The park will be positioned as a knowledge centre of life sciences industries research institutions and is expected to attract investments (both domestic and foreign) in related areas," said Jose.
The park will have state of the art office space, incubation centre and ready to occupy lab modules with support infrastructure facilities.
Besides, the park would also provide developed plots for large and integrated bio companies to set up their campuses and ready-to-use modular officers, wet and dry lab space for intermediate, small and start-up companies.
Kerala is designated as one of the 34 biodiversity spots in the world. It is the land of rich biodiversity highlighted by forest and mountain ranges, numerous rivers, splendid flora and fauna, and all-enveloping verdant vegetation.
Coupled with the geographical richness, institutions like the Sree Chitra Centre for Science & Technology, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Regional Research Laboratory, Tropical Botanical Gardens and Research Institute, Central Marine Fisheries Institute, Regional Cancer Centre, Hindustan Life Care Ltd. and many more, make Kerala an enormously potent life sciences hub of the country.