Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 21 (NationPress) On Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will officially lay the foundation stone for the CSIR-NIIST Innovation, Technology and Entrepreneurship Hub at the Bio-360 Life Sciences Park. This milestone signifies a substantial enhancement to India's life sciences, deep-tech innovation, and entrepreneurship landscape.

The cutting-edge Hub is being established by the CSIR-National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (CSIR-NIIST), a leading laboratory within the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), under the Ministry of Science and Technology.

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

A key feature of the Hub will be the Centre of Excellence in Ayurveda Research (CEAR), focusing on scientific validation, quality assurance, and global compliance of AYUSH products.

This initiative is anticipated to fulfill the increasing international demand for evidence-based traditional medicine and wellness products, establishing India as a credible global leader in this arena.

The Hub will also target national priorities 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, the Hub will encourage technology-driven processing, value addition, and startup incubation, aimed at enhancing global competitiveness and boosting farmer incomes.

By leveraging Kerala's abundant natural resources and skilled scientific workforce, the Hub is poised to develop high-value, sustainable technologies that align with CSIR’s national missions, which include 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 line with the Central government's objectives, the Hub is structured to expedite technology-to-market translation, create skilled job opportunities, support startups and MSMEs, and advocate for 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 as a pivotal life sciences and innovation hub.

The foundation-laying ceremony coincides with the Golden Jubilee of CSIR-NIIST, celebrating 50 years of contributions to science, technology, and national development.