India

PM Modi To Launch CSIR-NIIST Innovation Hub In Thiruvananthapuram

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will on Friday lay the foundation stone for the CSIR-NIIST Innovation, Technology and Entrepreneurship Hub at the Bio-360 Life Sciences Park in Thiruvananthapuram.

The project marks a major policy push to strengthen India’s life sciences, deep-tech innovation, and startup ecosystem.

The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (CSIR-NIIST), will establish the state-of-the-art facility.

CSIR-NIIST operates under the Ministry of Science and Technology and ranks among India’s premier research institutions.

The proposed Hub will function as a national platform for technology translation.

It will actively bridge the gap between laboratory research and commercially viable solutions, with a strong emphasis on life sciences and industrial applications.

A key pillar of the project is the Centre of Excellence in Ayurveda Research (CEAR).

The centre will focus on scientific validation, quality benchmarking, and global regulatory compliance of AYUSH products.

Officials expect this initiative to respond to rising global demand for evidence-based traditional medicine and wellness solutions.

The Hub will also address national priority sectors, including spice incubation, coir and rubber technologies, sustainable packaging, biomanufacturing, and green hydrogen.

Through partnerships with agencies such as the Spices Board, the facility will promote value addition and advanced processing.

It will also support startup incubation to boost global competitiveness and increase farmer incomes.

Kerala’s rich biodiversity and skilled scientific workforce will support the development of high-value, sustainable technologies aligned with CSIR’s national missions.

Advanced biotechnology platforms will enable the production of bio-based materials, nutraceuticals, biochemicals, and functional foods.

Aligned with the Central government’s policy agenda, the Hub will accelerate technology-to-market pathways.

It will generate skilled employment and strengthen startups and MSMEs. The initiative will also promote inclusive growth and advance women’s empowerment.

The Kerala government has allotted 10 acres at the Bio-360 Life Sciences Park to support CSIR-NIIST’s expansion.

The foundation ceremony also coincides with the Golden Jubilee of CSIR-NIIST, marking 50 years of contributions to science, innovation, and national development.

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Pragati Upadhyay

I report stories and occasionally rescue facts from chaos. By profession, I’m a journalist; by conviction, a social worker who believes words should move people, not just headlines. I question power, celebrate ordinary heroes, and sometimes irritate the comfortable. If truth had a shift, I’d probably be working overtime.