India has strengthened its biotechnology infrastructure with the inauguration of a new Central Facility for Recombinant Cells and Sensors at the BRIC-Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. The facility, developed by the Department of Biotechnology at a cost of about Rs 60 crore, is expected to support drug discovery, medical research and agricultural genomics. The announcement was made on National Science Day, alongside plans for a dedicated Good Manufacturing Practice facility at the institute.
New Biotechnology Facility
The newly inaugurated centre houses engineered recombinant cells and advanced screening systems. It is designed to accelerate target-specific drug discovery and improve the screening of biological compounds. The facility will support academic institutions, industry partners and healthcare innovators across the country.
Support for Biologics and Cell Therapies
A dedicated GMP facility is also being established at BRIC-RGCB in two phases with a total DBT investment of Rs 80 crore. It will help in pre-commercial production of biologics and advanced cell-based therapies, including CAR-T therapy. The project will work with clinical centres in Kerala and operate on a pay-and-use model for start-ups and biotech firms.
India’s Expanding Bioeconomy
India’s bioeconomy has grown sharply over the past decade, rising from about $10 billion to nearly $166 billion. The number of biotechnology start-ups has also increased from around 50-70 in 2014 to more than 11,000 . This growth reflects policy support, funding initiatives and the expansion of the innovation ecosystem.
Research, Cancer Care and Industry Linkages
The facility is expected to aid research in cancer biology, preventive healthcare and genomics. BRIC-RGCB is already engaged in studies on colon, oral, breast and cervical cancers. The broader push aims to link research institutions with private industry and emerging areas such as nuclear medicine, marine biotechnology and deep-ocean research.
Last Modified: April 28, 2026