Experts discuss strengthening Indo-Belgian life-sciences corridor

New Delhi: Embassy of Belgium and the Honorary Consul General of Belgium in Hyderabad G.V. Prasad, in partnership with members of the Belgian Life Sciences cluster, spanning research institutions, biotech and pharmaceutical companies, and the Indian ecosystem represented by Telangana Life Sciences together successfully organized the Indo-Belgian Life Sciences Conference in Hyderabad.

The event brought together over 200 participants, including researchers, policymakers, and industry leaders from India and Belgium, to address global healthcare challenges and explore collaborative opportunities.

Key discussions at the conference covered vaccine trials, where India’s large and unique birth cohort was highlighted as ideal for research. The need for AI-driven tools and upstream development in life sciences was emphasized. In medical devices, India’s USD 14 billion industry growth, MedTech parks, and frugal innovations like medical isotopes stood out. Discussions on biotech underscored the importance of clear regulations for new therapies and public or philanthropic funding for affordable innovation. Also, some insights on nanobody platforms, academia-industry collaboration, and funding strategies that have led to biotech success. Collaboration in infrastructure, skills, and partnerships was identified as a priority.

His Excellency, Didier Vanderhasselt, Ambassador of Belgium to India, highlighted the significant potential of Indo-Belgian partnerships. “Belgium’s expertise in life sciences, combined with India’s manufacturing capabilities, can transform global healthcare, ensuring both innovation and wider accessibility,” he said. He described Belgium as a hub of world-class universities and research institutions, the second-largest exporter of pharmaceuticals in Europe, and a leading destination for clinical trials. Drawing an analogy with vaccine doses that require repetition for sustained impact, he noted that this conference should not be seen as a one-time event but as the beginning of a long-term collaboration. He thanked the organizers for their efforts in making the event a success.

G.V. Prasad, Honorary Consul of Belgium and Co-Chairman & MD, Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Ltd., emphasized the importance of collaborative research. “This partnership combines Belgium’s advanced R&D with India’s ability to scale, enabling the creation of affordable and sustainable healthcare innovations,” he said. He pointed out that the Indian industry is exploring new frontiers for innovation, which is crucial for its continued growth, and noted that Belgium can play a key role in this journey. “Belgium has the highest per-capita patents in the world, and its companies can benefit from access to clinical specimens and other strengths that India offers,” he added.

D. Sridhar Babu, Minister for Information Technology, Electronics & Communications, Industries & Commerce, and Legislative Affairs, Government of Telangana, attended the event and welcomed the organizers and participants to Hyderabad. He highlighted India’s contributions to global healthcare, with Telangana playing a key role, and praised Belgium for its leadership and innovation in healthcare and life sciences. “Belgium sets a strong example of excellence in healthcare and life sciences innovation,” he said.

Jayesh Ranjan, Special Chief Secretary, ITE&C, IC, Govt. of Telangana and Shakthi Nagappan, Director, Life Sciences, Govt of Telangana, in their session highlighted how Telangana is leading the way in transforming the innovation ecosystem, setting itself apart from other states. They discussed key advancements in life sciences, digital health, and the state’s initiatives to support startups and incubators, creating a robust environment for growth and innovation.

The participation of Jeroen Cooreman, Director General for Bilateral Affairs, along with thought leaders like Prof. Dr. Peter Piot (Professor of Global Health – London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine), Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, MS Swaminathan Research Foundation and Former Chief Scientist, WHO, Sai D Prasad, Executive Director – Bharat Biotech; Chairman – CII Telangana State Council, Dr. Krishna Ella, CEO – Bharat Biotech, Narender Dev Mantena, Head, Global Strategy & CEO – Biological E, Dr. Roel Gevaers, Professor – University of Antwerp and Antwerp Management School, Sanjay Gandhi, Director, Scientific Affairs & Public Health, GSK, Dr. Harish Iyer, Deputy Director, Digital Health, Innovation and AI – Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Rakesh Patakh, Director, IBA India, Dr. Rajiv Chhibber, Vice President External Affairs – Sahajanand Medical, Technologies Ltd., New Delhi, Dr. Kuldeep Raizada, CEO – Akriti Ophthalmic Pvt Ltd, Hyderabad, Telangana; Jt. Coordinator, Telangana Chapter, AiMeD Baron Dr. Ajit Shetty (Emeritus Chairman, Janssen Pharma and Chairman – Flemish Institute for Biotechnology, Belgium), Manni Kantipudi, CEO – Aragen Life Sciences, Dr. Umesh Shaligram, Executive Director R&D – Serum Institute of India, Mr. Jérôme Van Biervliet, MD- Flemish Institute for Biotechnology (VIB), Belgium, Mathieu Delveaux, CFO – Bio-Sourcing.

Sudarshan Jain (Secretary General – Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance), Dr. Murali Ramachandra, CEO – Aurigene Oncology Ltd., Dr. Swami Subramanian, CEO – Ignite Lifesciences Foundation, Dr. Ramesh Byrapaneni, MD – Endiya Partners, Charles-Antoine Janssen, Managing Partner – Kois, Gauri Kamath, Contributing Editor – IIT-M Shastra, highlighted the importance of India and Belgium as key players in life sciences.

Their expertise and contributions emphasized the potential for collaboration between the two countries to advance global healthcare. The conference is set to foster stronger connections and a cooperative ecosystem aimed at delivering meaningful healthcare innovations for the world.

In his closing remarks, Jeroen Cooreman, Director General for Bilateral Affairs, Belgian Ministry for Foreign Affairs expressed gratitude to all participants for their insights and active engagement in this remarkable conference. He emphasized the importance of sustaining such collaborations to drive innovation and address global healthcare challenges. Mr. Cooreman concluded with optimism, hoping this event marks the beginning of many productive partnerships between India and Belgium.