New Delhi, Nov 26 (NationPress) The Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), under the Ministry of Ayush, has unveiled the second phase of its flagship initiative, SIDDHI 2.0 (Scientific Innovation in Drug Development, Healthcare and Integration), on Wednesday.

Inaugurated at a two-day national conference in Vijayawada, SIDDHI 2.0 represents a pivotal transition towards product development driven by research, enhancement of indigenous technologies, and expedited translational pathways and partnerships with the industry—integral components of India’s advancing Ayush innovation strategy.

“Given the increasing prevalence of lifestyle-related diseases, the wellness-oriented approach of Ayurveda is becoming increasingly significant,” stated Prof. Rabinarayan Acharya, Director General of CCRAS.

Prof. Acharya praised the support from CII in facilitating direct collaboration between CCRAS and the pharmaceutical industry through initiatives like SIDDHI.

K. Dinesh Kumar, IAS, Director (Ayush) for the Government of Andhra Pradesh, highlighted that SIDDHI 2.0 unites all essential stakeholders onto a shared platform, noting that while modern science has extended life expectancy, Ayurveda can contribute to a healthier life.

Dr. N. Srikanth, Deputy Director General of CCRAS, revealed that the Council has confirmed over 150 Ayurvedic formulations, including herbo-mineral preparations. He urged the industry to leverage CCRAS’s comprehensive data regarding quality, safety, and toxicity studies, and emphasized the organization’s research policies that favor industry collaboration, including provisions for IPR-sharing.

Moreover, he mentioned CCRAS’s assistance for Ayurveda-focused, AI-powered, and tech-enabled startups.

Experts from the industry underscored the necessity for modernizing Ayurvedic herbs and formulations to enhance their competitiveness in the global market.

Scientists from CCRAS also showcased facilities, significant research outcomes, products, technologies in development, and potential collaboration areas with the industry.

During SIDDHI 2.0, participation exceeded 100 delegates, including representatives from over 25 prominent Ayurvedic pharmaceutical firms from Southern India.

Designed as a national translational accelerator, SIDDHI 2.0 aspires to encourage broader industry adoption of CCRAS technologies, enhance institutional relationships, improve quality and regulatory frameworks, and foster the development of globally competitive Ayurvedic pharmaceuticals.

By promoting scientific innovation alongside industry collaboration, SIDDHI 2.0 establishes a robust groundwork for a modern, evidence-based, and scalable future for Ayurveda, aligning with India’s national vision for holistic health.