Thiruvananthapuram: In a major boost to Kerala’s life sciences ecosystem, Minister for Industries, Law and Coir, Government of Kerala, Shri P. Rajeeve, today laid the foundaƟon stone for the Research and Manufacturing Centre of the Centre for Research on Molecular and Applied Sciences (CRMAS) at the Bio 360 Life Sciences Park, marking a significant step towards strengthening the integraƟon of cuƫng-edge research and industry in the state.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Minister said the project represents a major step forward in Kerala’s efforts to emerge as a leading hub for biomedical and life sciences industries. He noted that CRMAS, which collaborates with premier insƟtuƟons including the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), several IITs and NITs, will generate over 100 high-skilled employment opportuniƟes through the new facility. He also highlighted that the expansion will enable advanced technology manufacturing—such as Electric Pulse SƟmulaƟon (EPS) systems—to be undertaken within the state.
Dr. Rajesh Ramachandran, Director, CRMAS, said the new centre will open up advanced research capabiliƟes in areas such as innovaƟve disease modelling systems, neuronal sƟmulaƟon, and cardiac remodelling. He added that CRMAS aims to evolve into a strong translaƟonal research hub, integraƟng Ayurveda and biomaterials research, and fostering global scienƟfic collaboraƟon to deliver impacƞul, applicaƟon-oriented outcomes.
The new facility is being developed in two phases, with the foundaƟon stone laid today for the first phase. The centre will span approximately 15,800 sq. Ō., featuring state-of-the-art infrastructure. Of this, 8,600 sq. Ō. will house world-class translaƟonal research laboratories, while the remaining 6,000 sq. Ō. will be dedicated to the manufacturing of AYUSH products developed by CRMAS. The ceremony was aƩended by Dr. Praveen K.S., CEO, Bio 360 Life Sciences Park; Dr. Mini S., Professor, Department of Biochemistry, University of Kerala; Dr. Sunitha Chandran, Project Manager, Bio 360; and CRMAS Directors Dr. Smitha C. and Dr. Rajesh Ramachandran, among others.
With over a decade of excellence in the biotechnology sector, CRMAS has established itself as a leading insƟtuƟon in in vitro disease modelling, translaƟonal research, and molecular biology, through collaboraƟons with private industry, universiƟes, and naƟonal research
centres. This new iniƟaƟve is expected to further energise Kerala’s biotech ecosystem and serve as a model for effecƟvely integraƟng research and industry.
