#India #Life Sciences #Hyderabad #WEF #Telangana

Telangana Unveils Next-Gen Life Sciences Policy for 2026-30

In a bold move to cement its standing in the global medical arena, the Government of Telangana, India, announced its Next-Gen Life Sciences Policy 2026-30 at the World Economic Forum 2026 in Davos, Switzerland. This ambitious policy is designed to position the state as one of the top five life sciences clusters globally by the year 2030, with a formidable target of attracting $25 billion in investments.

The policy reflects a transformative shift from a focus on large-scale manufacturing towards cultivating a culture of innovation and high-value creation. It aims not just to expand existing capabilities but also to integrate Telangana deeply into global life sciences value chains.

Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, who unveiled the policy alongside key figures such as Minister for IT and Industries, D. Sridhar Babu, emphasized that Telangana is on a path to become a global leader in healthcare and advanced therapeutics. He stated, “We are building one of the world’s most trusted and transformational biosciences ecosystems, driving global health impact from Telangana.”

The Next-Gen Life Sciences Policy 2026-30 is set against the backdrop of a remarkable evolution that Telangana has undergone over the past two decades. Once viewed as merely a manufacturing hub, the state has expanded its capabilities to encompass every facet of the life sciences sector, including discovery research and clinical development. Today, it hosts over 2,000 life sciences companies and a wealth of USFDA-approved pharmaceutical facilities, contributing significantly to global vaccine supply—about one-third of the total demand.

One of the noteworthy changes is the direct shift toward value-led innovation. The manufacturing base will now be complemented by high-value research and development (R&D) activities, attracting global giants like Amgen, Sanofi, Bristol Myers Squibb, and Eli Lilly to establish or enhance R&D capabilities in the vibrant city of Hyderabad.

“Our focus is on frontier science and advanced manufacturing techniques, such as cell and gene therapies and precision fermentation, which will push us beyond being just part of global supply chains to becoming originators of advanced therapies,” said D. Sridhar Babu.

Implementation of this policy is planned around world-class infrastructure developments, including Green Pharma City and ten Pharma Villages, as well as the expansion of Genome Valley, which will further elevate Telangana’s reputation as a life sciences destination. Additionally, the Medical Devices Park is set to be strengthened to bolster the state’s capabilities in medical technology and diagnostics.

To foster early and growth-stage innovation, a dedicated Life Sciences Innovation Fund amounting to INR 1,000 crore (about $100 million) will be established. This fund aims to support deep-tech ventures and draw in private and institutional investment.

Moreover, the newly formed Telangana School of Life Sciences will focus on research, education, and developing a talent pool that meets the future needs of the industry. This institution is expected to play a pivotal role in nurturing the next generation of scientists and health-tech professionals who will propel the state’s ambitious goals forward.

In summary, Telangana's newly unveiled Life Sciences Policy for 2026-30 represents a significant leap forward, pivoting from a manufacturing-led framework to one emphasizing research, development, and global collaboration. With a clear vision and solid plans for implementation, Telangana is poised to take center stage in the global life sciences arena, nurturing innovations that will shape the future of healthcare.

As the state embarks on this ambitious journey, it seeks to create 500,000 high-quality jobs that not only address local employment needs but further embed Telangana into the global health landscape. The policy, presented at Davos, exemplifies Telangana’s commitment to harnessing international synergies, capital, and shared innovation strategies to achieve unprecedented heights in the life sciences sector.