Telangana sets global ambition with next generation life sciences policy 2026–30

New Delhi: The Government of Telangana, India unveiled its Next-Gen Life Sciences Policy 2026–30 at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos, signalling the State’s intent to play a far more consequential role in shaping the future of global healthcare, advanced therapeutics, and sustainable bio-manufacturing.

The policy articulates a decisive shift from scale-driven manufacturing to value-led, innovation-powered growth and positions Telangana as a globally integrated life sciences hub across discovery, development, and deployment. With a clear ambition to rank among the top five life sciences clusters worldwide by 2030, the policy targets USD 25 billion in investments, creation of 500,000 high-quality jobs, and deeper integration into global life sciences value chains.

The manufacturing depth is increasingly complemented by high-value R&D and innovation activity. Several global sciences organizations —including Amgen, Sanofi, Bristol Myers Squibb, Lilly, among several others have established or expanded R&D, digital, and global capability centres in Hyderabad, reflecting confidence in the Telangana’s scientific talent and innovation-ready infrastructure.

The Next-Gen Life Sciences Policy 2026–30 represents a deliberate scale-up, designed to accelerate Telangana’s transition from being indispensable to global supply chains to becoming a global originator of advanced therapies and platforms. The policy was unveiled by the Chief Minister Mr. A. Revanth Reddy in the presence of the Minister for IT & Industries, Mr. D. Sridhar Babu, Special Chief Secretary Mr. Sanjay Kumar IAS, and the CEO, Telangana Lifesciences, Mr. Shakthi M. Nagappan.

Unveiling the policy, Mr. A Revanth Reddy, Chief Minister of Telangana, India said “We are building one of the world’s most trusted and transformational biosciences ecosystems—driving global health impact from Telangana. The policy’s global unveiling at Davos reflects Telangana’s conviction that the next phase of growth in life sciences will be driven by cross-border collaboration, global capital, and shared innovation agendas.”

“In the last two years alone, we have been able to attract investment to the tune of Rs. 73,000 Crores. With the launch of new policy, we are now aiming higher to attract Rs. 2 Lakh crore over the next 5 years. The policy prioritizes frontier science and advanced manufacturing platforms, including cell and gene therapies, peptides, precision fermentation, and other next-generation modalities. It strengthens the broader ecosystem across clinical research, pharma services, diagnostics, medical electronics and digital health—positioning Telangana as a preferred destination for global life sciences hubs” Mr. D. Sridhar Babu, Hon’ble Minister for IT, Electronics & Communications, and Industries & Commerce, Government of Telangana.

Adding to this Mr. Sanjay Kumar (IAS), Special Chief Secretary, Industries & Commerce and ITE & C Departments, Government of Telangana, “The Policy builds on the strong foundation and spirit of innovation. The policy is not merely a framework; it is designed to accelerate the adoption of breakthrough technologies such as AI, digital health, and next generation therapeutics, while nurturing skilled talent. A defining reform is the recognition of R&D units as full-fledged industrial enterprises, allowing them equal access to incentives and reinforcing the State’s commitment to innovation and high-value scientific activity”

“Focused on frontier R&D, sustainable manufacturing, talent development, and a robust startup-to-scale-up pipeline, the policy strengthens Telangana’s integration into the global life sciences value chain. A dedicated Life Sciences Innovation Fund, scalable up to INR 1,000 crore (USD 100 million), will catalyze early- and growth-stage innovation, support deep-tech ventures – particularly biotherapeutics. Another key initiative proposed is the establishment of the Telangana School of Life Sciences, a university of global excellence focused on research, education, and future-ready talent development” added Mr. Shakthi M. Nagappan, CEO, Telangana Life Sciences.

The policy implementation will be anchored by globally benchmarked infrastructure, including the Green Pharma City, ten Pharma Villages, expansion of Genome Valley, and further strengthening of the Medical Devices Park.