Genome Valley Hyderabad: Vibrant Center for Advancements in Genetic Medicine and Research

In Telangana, the life sciences industry has played a crucial role in improving healthcare not just in India, but worldwide too. It benefits from India’s expertise in producing vaccines, developing generic medicines, and advancing biopharmaceuticals. Telangana’s contribution to India’s pharmaceutical production and exports is significant.

Among the different cities in Telangana, Hyderabad has emerged as the preferred destination for life sciences companies. 

Why? Because it offers a rich talent pool in science, technology, engineering, and management. What else? There’s a thriving ecosystem for life sciences and technology, prestigious research institutes, ready-to-use laboratory spaces, and supportive government policies.

Furthermore, Hyderabad stands out globally as it houses the highest number of US FDA pharma manufacturing units globally, with 214 units compared to the next highest, New Jersey, with 169 units. 

Remember, Genome Valley has played a vital role in advancing the life sciences industry.

Get ready to explore the captivating world of Genome Valley in Hyderabad!

Genome Valley Hyderabad

Have you ever heard of Genome Valley? It’s India’s first organized cluster that focuses on promoting and advancing research in genomics, biotechnology, and related fields. It’s a special area dedicated to scientific studies and discoveries.

Genome Valley has a big aim: to promote innovation and progress in these fields. It’s like a hub where scientists, researchers, and professionals collaborate and work on exciting projects. They share their knowledge, resources, and ideas, creating a vibrant atmosphere for scientific breakthroughs and advancements.

When did it start?

In 1999, Genome Valley was established as a SP Biotech Park using Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, and has emerged as a prominent center for research and development in the field of biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and life sciences in Telangana, India.

This initiative was made possible through the collaboration of key players such as Bharat Biotech and private infrastructure companies such as ICICI Bank and Shapoorji Pallonji.

And here’s the exciting news! With an impressive cluster of renowned companies, Genome Valley has also been identified as the “Swiss Hub of India.”

But that’s not all! Do you know that Genome Valley has attracted companies from 18 different countries which offer employment opportunities to approximately 20,000 individuals?

In this cluster, there are over 200 prominent national and international companies, including top Contract Research Organizations (CRO’s), vaccine manufacturers, and renowned research and development organizations. Additionally, there are more than 60 start-ups that have been nurtured and three incubation centers.

In 2009, Alexandria Real Estate Equities, a US-based infrastructure giant, invested in Genome Valley and formed the Alexandria Knowledge Park SEZ, creating a bio-cluster. Later, Mission Neural Park acquired R&D assets in Alexandria Equities REIT, resulting in the development of 6 lakh square feet of facilities occupied by global tenant companies such as Novartis, Mylan, and Ashland.

Genome Valley’s master plan primarily focuses on creating a conducive environment for companies, with no residential zones within the area. So, what else can you find in Genome Valley? 

It offers top-notch facilities for clean manufacturing facilities, research and development centers, knowledge parks, and special economic zones, wet and dry laboratory spaces, attracting both national and international organizations including small and medium businesses. The availability of established infrastructure at lower capital costs has made it an attractive destination for companies looking to set up operations.

And here’s the cherry on top! Even though there are alot of industrial activities happening here, a 25 km radius around Genome Valley has been declared a pollution-free zone. 

Land Acquisition and Location Details

Do you know that Genome Valley is spread across 2000 acres?

It is located in the northeastern part of Hyderabad’s life sciences corridor, encompassing villages such as Turkapally and Shamirpet. 

It is 30 kilometers away from the Secunderabad railway station and 70 kilometers away from the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (Shamshabad).

Phase 1 and 2 are located nearby, while Phase 3 is situated around 11 km away in Karkapatla village, covering 120 acres. 

Genome Valley is seeing rapid expansion with over 250,000 sq ft of laboratory space being added every year.

The success of Genome Valley provided a significant boost to Hyderabad, the capital city of Telangana. Recognizing its achievements, the government implemented a grid strategy and cluster-based approach to expand Genome Valley to the Medchal Malkajgiri districts.

Let’s take a closer look at different phases of Genome Valley.

Phases of Genome Valley

In Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the Genome Valley, there are three sections called Synergy Square 1, 2, and 3. In Phase 3, there is an additional section called Synergy Square 4.

Synergy Square 1 is home to Bharat Biotech. It also houses other established companies like SAMY labs, AMRI, Sai Life Sciences Hub, as well as international players like DuPont and Mylan.

In Synergy Square 2, you will find ICMR, Biological E Limited, and a 600-acre MN Park. There is also a special area called IKP (International Knowledge Park), which spans over 200 acres. 

Synergy Square 3 is home to Ferring Pharma, Lonza, Novartis.

Synergy Square 4 which is a part of Phase 3 development has Sanzyme, Globion, Jodas Expiom. 

Are you ready to witness the captivating journey of Genome Valley 2.0 as it spreads its wings and transforms the landscape of Telangana?

Genome Valley 2.0

In 2018, the Telangana government introduced Genome Valley 2.0 as the gateway of East Hyderabad. The project was designed as an upgraded version of the previous life sciences and biotechnology cluster. Its main goal is to become a knowledge-based ecosystem led by industries, which would contribute to the local economy’s growth.

The Telangana government aims to double the valuation of the life sciences ecosystem from Rs 3.9 lakh crore (US$ 50 billion) currently to Rs. 7.8 lakh crore (US$ 100 billion), besides creating over four lakh jobs.

The vision for Genome Valley 2.0 is to

• Integrated & Connected city – A focus on developing a well-connected city with easy access to Hyderabad through transit-oriented development, ensuring smooth transportation for residents.
• Prioritizing conservation and development: Efforts are being made to protect environmentally sensitive areas around Genome Valley and create an ecological hub.
• Enriched development: The focus is on achieving growth while preserving nature, with a holistic vision for Genome Valley 2.0.
• Innovative & Vibrant Economic city – Aiming to diversify the economy and attract top organizations and talent by creating employment opportunities and fostering a dynamic and innovative business environment.
• Ecologically Sustained & Enriched city – Leveraging the green surroundings near Genome Valley 2.0 to create a climate-positive environment and enhance the lush greenery along river and stream edges.
• Economic center in harmony with nature: The aim is to establish Hyderabad as a hub for innovation and development, integrating nature and technology.
• Liveable & Self-Sustained city – Promoting decentralization from the crowded city by offering residential options closer to workplaces. Developing residential districts with vibrant public spaces and essential amenities within walking distance, enabling a cohesive environment for living, working, playing, and learning.
• Global platform: The transformation of Genome Valley will showcase its potential on a global stage, attracting attention for its innovation and development initiatives.

In the latest master plan, the government has introduced several measures to support the life sciences industry:

1. Labour Concessions: To ensure uninterrupted operations in the knowledge-intensive industry, the government has relaxed labor restrictions. Life sciences firms are allowed to operate 24/7 in three shifts, subject to safety measures for employees.

2. Industrial Area Local Authority (IALA): Existing clusters like Genome Valley and MedTech Valley have been designated as Industrial Area Local Authorities. This helps in better coordination and addressing the specific needs of industrial units in these areas.

3. Scientific Regulatory Approvals: A guidance cell will be established by the State Life Sciences Council to assist businesses with regulatory compliance and procedures.

4. Industrial Category: Life sciences now falls under the industrial sector, which means life sciences units and parks will receive power at industrial tariffs, similar to other industries.

Additionally, the government of Telangana has partnered with Cytiva to set up a Biopharma Scale facility in the Genome Valley. This facility will offer consultancy services, professional training, technology evaluation, and infrastructure support for process development and scaling up.

Basic Amenities

• Power Supply
• Power Backup
• Cafeteria
• Landscape Gardens
• Effluent Treatment Plant
• Sewage Treatment Plant
• Automatic Lifts
• Air Cooled Chillers
• Fire Alarm & Safety Systems

Activities Completed

• Approvals received for various permits and clearances such as Building permit, Consent for Establishment, Environmental Clearance, NOC from Airports Authority of India, Occupancy Certificate, Fire NOC, Consent for operation.
• Building 2727 (~100,000 SF) leased to India’s leading CRO with fit-outs.
• Building 4545 (~100,000 SF) for fit-outs .
• 14 TMC Water Reservoir within 1 KM distance.
• Sufficient power availability.
• Natural Gas Station nearby.
• Atrium construction.
• Building 3600H leased to India’s leading CRO.
• Building 5600C (Chemical Stores) and Building 5600E (Electrical Block) completed.
• Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP) and Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) completed.
• Security Kiosks and roads are already developed.

Testing Facilities of Genome Valley

The National Animal Resource Facility, established by ICMR and the Telangana Government, is a part of Genome Valley.

Genome Valley is proud to host India’s largest animal resource and testing facility, supported by the Indian Government. This facility is responsible for certifying biological drugs, vaccines, and pharmaceutical products as per DCGI requirements.

It offers a wide range of testing services for various animals, including primates, dogs, pigs, horses, sheep, goats, rabbits, and different types of rodents.

The facility also has systems in place for waste treatment and disposal.

In addition, they provide analytical testing services to cater to diverse research and industry needs.

Well-Known Entities in Genome Valley

Do you know what major companies are invested in Genome Valley? Let’s explore them.

In Phase 1 and 2: 

• DuPont Knowledge Center: This research facility focuses on agriculture and industrial biotechnology research, employing around 350 scientists.
• Biopharma Hub: A Special Partnership which spans around 2 acres in Genome Valley which supports both startups and established businesses.
• AMRI Research Centre: It is one of AMRI’s advanced research and development centers located outside the US.
• Mylan: A global pharmaceutical company serving customers in over 140 countries. They have a biologics R&D laboratory and expanded their operations in the Genome Valley.
• Ferring Pharma: A Swiss-based firm specializing in reproductive health and urology. They have established a center in the Genome Valley focused on reproductive healthcare.
• Biological E Limited: India’s first private sector biological products company. They are developing pneumococcal and typhoid conjugation vaccines in the Genome Valley.
• Novartis: The major R&D center for Novartis, a multinational pharmaceutical company, started its operations in the Genome Valley in 2010.
• Bharat Biotech: The company that produced India’s original COVID vaccine.
• International Knowledge Park (IKP): IKP is known for its focus on innovation and acts as a hub for startups. It has already supported over 430 companies from 7 countries, with approximately 90% of them being startups. Similar to T-Hub, which supports technology startups, IKP park plays a similar role for life sciences. This means that there are excellent opportunities and support available for startups in this field as well
• Biotech Park: Established to support biomedical research and manufacturing. 
• Biotechnology Incubation Center (BTIC): Launched with joint partners DBT, IICT, and Telangana Government. Equipped with Microbial & Cell Culture Pilot Plant and Analytical Equipment. 
• Shantha Sanofi: Introduced Shanchol, an affordable Cholera vaccine. Received WHO prequalification in 2011. 
• Alexandria Real Estate Equities Inc.: Acquired Shapoorji Pallonji Biotech Park and renamed it Alexandria Knowledge Park. 
• Tergene Biotech: Secured lab space in BTIC, Genome Valley. 
• Alembic Pharmaceuticals: Established its first R&D facility outside Vadodara. 
• Hylasco Biotechnology and Envigo: Launched their facilities for animal breeding and contract research activities. 
• GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare established its first dedicated R&D Centre.
• MaxGreen, Jodas Expoim, and GenomeLabs entered Genome Valley, bringing new advancements.
• Ferring Pharmaceuticals, a Swiss-based company, made a major investment for research and infrastructure in Hyderabad.
• Intertek, a UK-based company, set up an Agritech Laboratory.
• TCI established its first QA Lab in Hyderabad.
• Genesys opened a new facility in Genome Valley.
• Slayback Pharma, a US-based multinational company, established its first R&D center in Genome Valley.
• Chemo India Formulations, a part of Spain-based Chemo group, launched its first R&D and manufacturing facility in India.
• Daicel Chiral set up their own facility in IKP Knowledge Park.
• Syngene commissioned its first R&D center in Genome Valley.
• Sandoz established its facility in Genome Valley.
• The Rx Propellant platform was launched, partnering on multiple projects under development and management (DM) program.
• Piramal invests in Yapan Bio: Piramal has made an investment in Yapan Bio, a biotechnology company.
• Enveda, Ritsa, and GVRP launch facilities in Genome Valley: Enveda, Ritsa, and GVRP have opened new facilities in Genome Valley, a hub for life sciences research.
• Piramal to set up its first facility in Genome Valley: Piramal is planning to establish its first facility in Genome Valley, joining other companies in the region.
• Clonz Bio expands operations in a dedicated facility: Clonz Bio has expanded its operations by opening a dedicated facility spanning 40,000 square feet.
• Rx Propellant initiates development of GV One: Rx Propellant has started developing GV One, a research and manufacturing facility that can accommodate multiple tenants or function as a standalone unit.

In Phase 3:

• Indian Immunologicals Limited (IIL) inaugurated its facility.
• Jodas Expoim completed the construction of its global facility in Genome Valley Phase III.
• Sanzyme Biologics set up its first facility in Genome Valley.
• Sanmed Healthcare, Healing Pharmatech, and Grasmicrobe also established their facilities.
• Bell Pharmaceuticals, ANAX Labs, Unicon Pharma, and Lifespan set up state-of-the-art manufacturing units in Genome Valley.
• Jamp Pharma Corporation established a Centre of Excellence, its first outside of Canada, in Genome Valley.
• Glukem Biocarer set up its first facility in Genome Valley.

Latest Updates and Investment Plans in Genome Valley

Exciting news from Genome Valley! Let’s dive into the latest updates

• Indimmune is setting up a brand-new animal vaccine facility, investing INR 700 crores and providing around 750 job opportunities.
• Gland Pharma is expanding its operations with an investment of INR 400 crores, generating 500 additional jobs in cutting-edge areas like biologicals.
• Biological E has big plans for expansion, investing over INR 1800 crores to establish three new facilities in Genome Valley. This will create over 2500 job positions.
• Ferring Pharma: Investing Rs. 500 crores (US$ 64.4 million) to set up a manufacturing facility for their product Pentasa over the next 2-3 years.
• Bharat Serums and Vaccine Limited: Allocating Rs. 200 crores (US$ 25.7 million) for manufacturing advanced injectables and vaccines, including women’s health products, rabies vaccines, immunoglobulins, and hormones.
• Chemo Pharma: Setting aside Rs. 100 crores (US$ 12.9 million) to establish a second production line in their Hyderabad facility for pharmaceutical finished dosage forms. They also plan to open a new active pharmaceutical component and R&D center in Hyderabad, focusing on new product development in solids and injectables.
• EMPE Diagnostics: Switzerland-based company investing Rs. 25 crores (US$ 3.2 million) to open a global production facility. Their main focus will be manufacturing tuberculosis diagnostic kits with a monthly target of two million kits.
• Aurigene Pharma is investing $20 million to build an advanced biomanufacturing facility, which will create over 250 jobs.
• Genesys is investing $50-60 million to build a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility for insulin analogues, opening up around 300 new job opportunities.
• VIMTA Labs is investing INR 70 crores in their new laboratories, contributing to the growth of Genome Valley.
• Rx-Propellant aims to scale up its operations to INR 2000 crores in the next two years, leading to a significant increase in employment opportunities.
• Excitingly, Croda International Plc, a renowned specialty chemicals manufacturer from London, is establishing a cutting-edge Global Technical Center (GTC) in Genome Valley.

In conclusion, similar to the growth of IT investments with the inception of HiTech City and the dot-com bubble in 2000, the life sciences and pharma sectors are poised for rapid growth in the next decade due to the recent pandemic. 

With the presence of Genome Valley’s incubation and R&D centers in Hyderabad, coupled with the city’s status as a global power center, the life sciences sector has the potential to create 10 lakh jobs by 2030. This anticipated impact suggests promising real estate growth in the Shamirpet, Turkapalli, and Gajwel stretch leading up to 2030.

Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the life sciences sector in Telangana has shown remarkable resilience. It has experienced impressive growth, surpassing its target of reaching $100 billion by 2022 and now aiming for $250 billion by 2030. With the presence of 800 life sciences companies and Hyderabad’s contribution to manufacturing one-third of the world’s vaccines, it is highly likely that the industry will achieve its goals by 2030.

In summary, just as the IT industry flourished in the past, the life sciences and pharma sectors are poised for substantial growth in the coming years. With Hyderabad’s expertise and contributions, this industry is expected to thrive and meet its ambitious targets.