Thiruvananthapuram: State govt is likely to make an official announcement on ‘Genome City’ project, modelled on Hyderabad’s Genome Valley, in the first quarter of 2026. The project will be launched at Bio360 Life Science Park in Thonnakkal in the state capital. According to sources close to the initiative, govt is currently evaluating the proposal.
Genome City will be built on a 60-acre plot with a projected investment of Rs 3,500 crore. It is envisioned as an integrated life-sciences cluster, comprising pharmaceutical companies, medical device manufacturers, biotech firms and cutting-edge research centres.
Praveen K S, CEO of Life Science Park, told TOI that the works are in advanced planning stages. “This is a large-scale project, a game-changer for Thiruvananthapuram and the entire state. We expect 15,000 new jobs and significant investments from multinational companies. Over time, the scale is likely to exceed current estimates,” he added.
He said that connectivity gives the project a strong competitive edge: the park is close to the international airport and Vizhinjam seaport, which could facilitate the import and export of medical equipment. Drawing a parallel to Kerala’s premier technology hub, he said, “In the coming years, Genome City and the Life Science Park will be Kerala’s version of Technopark, but for biotech.”
A senior govt official confirmed that the proposed zone has been closely reviewed. “The govt sees huge strategic value in establishing Kerala as a biomanufacturing hub. Once Genome City is formally approved, we will expedite clearances and institutional support through a dedicated advisory group.” The official added that the state plans to use a single-window portal to fast-track land allotment, regulatory approvals and infrastructure services.
Alongside Genome City, MedSpark project, Kerala’s first dedicated medical-devices hub, is also nearing completion at the Life Science Park. Praveen revealed that construction of its three main buildings (two five-storey blocks and one single-storey) is on track. Structural work is slated to be completed by Jan 2026, with interior outfitting tenders already out. A specialised small-animal testing facility is expected to go live by Feb 2026, he said.
MedSpark, estimated to cost Rs 256 crore, is being jointly developed by Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation (KSIDC) and Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology (SCTIMST). Of the total investment, state govt is contributing Rs 156 crore, while Union govt is providing Rs 100 crore.
The Bio360 Life Sciences Park already hosts 22 companies, with existing investments around Rs 700 crore. Praveen said this figure is expected to surge past Rs 1,000 crore in the near term as more firms begin operations, but Genome City would represent a quantum leap beyond that.
The govt is also planning to give the investors in the Life Science Park incentives such as subsidised land for 60 years, capital expenditure subsidy for equipment, single-window clearance within 30 days, and power tariff subsidy.
