Thiruvananthapuram, January 21 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to officially commence the construction of the CSIR-NIIST Innovation, Technology and Entrepreneurship Hub at the Bio-360 Life Sciences Park on Friday, heralding a substantial enhancement to India's ecosystem for life sciences, deep-tech innovation, and entrepreneurship.

This cutting-edge Hub will be developed by the CSIR-National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (CSIR-NIIST), a leading laboratory operating under the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), part of the Ministry of Science and Technology.

Designed as a national hub for technology translation and innovation, this facility aims to connect laboratory research with market-ready solutions, especially within the life sciences domain.

A pivotal feature of the Hub will be the Centre of Excellence in Ayurveda Research (CEAR), which will emphasize scientific validation, quality assurance, and compliance with global standards for AYUSH products.

This initiative is poised to meet the increasing international demand for evidence-backed traditional medicine and wellness solutions, positioning India as a credible global leader in this field.

The Hub will also prioritize national strategic areas such as spice incubation, coir and rubber technologies, sustainable and eco-friendly packaging, biomanufacturing, and green hydrogen.

Through partnerships with organizations like the Spices Board, it will foster technology-driven processing, value addition, and startup incubation, aimed at boosting global competitiveness and enhancing farmers' incomes.

Utilizing Kerala’s abundant natural resources and a robust scientific talent pool, the facility is expected to create high-value, sustainable technologies aligned with CSIR’s national missions, including sustainable packaging and clean energy transition.

Advanced biomanufacturing and industrial biotechnology platforms will facilitate the production of bio-based products, nutraceuticals, biochemicals, and functional foods.

In alignment with the Central government’s objectives, the Hub is structured to expedite the translation of technology to market, create skilled jobs, support startups and MSMEs, and champion women’s empowerment and inclusive economic growth.

The Government of Kerala has allocated 10 acres at the Bio-360 Life Sciences Park for the expansion of CSIR-NIIST, further solidifying Thiruvananthapuram’s role as a pivotal center for life sciences and innovation.

The foundation ceremony aligns with the Golden Jubilee of CSIR-NIIST, commemorating 50 years of contributions to science, technology, and national progress.