AstraZeneca India to Invest INR 250 Cr for Global Innovation & Tech Center in Tamil Nadu

This initiative aims to enhance capabilities in enterprise platforms, artificial intelligence, machine learning, data science, and supply chain analytics for healthcare.

Global pharma giant AstraZeneca India has announced a substantial INR 250 Cr investment to expand its Chennai campus with the establishment of a Global Innovation and Technology Center (GITC).

This initiative aims to enhance capabilities in enterprise platforms, artificial intelligence, machine learning, data science, and supply chain analytics for healthcare.

Currently occupying 3.34 Lakh sq ft at Ramanujan IT Park in Taramani, the facility will undergo an expansion of 1.80 Lakh sq ft over the next six months to accommodate 1,300 employees, aiming to make it the largest global capability center.

Siva Padmanabhan, managing director of AstraZeneca India, said, "At AstraZeneca, we are evolving our technologies constantly so that we can stay ahead of the curve in healthcare and pharmaceutical industries to better serve our patients in countries where we operate. We are deeply invested in infusing the best of technology and innovation practices into the healthcare ecosystem."

The expanded facility was inaugurated in a ceremony by state industries minister TRB Rajaa. British deputy high commissioner to India Christina Scott CMG, AstraZeneca VP for Asia Area Sylvia Varela, and others

The Global Innovation and Technology Centre (GITC) in Chennai began its journey as a back-office facility. It offers conventional information technology services essential for driving the company's technological advancements and innovations across its global operations.

According to the pharma company, the center plays a vital role in facilitating the delivery of transformative medicines to patients worldwide.

On the development, MK Stalin, CM, Tamil Nadu, said, "Technology is the driving force behind innovation and we are committed to make Tamil Nadu an epicentre of technology and research. This collaboration with AstraZeneca aligns perfectly with our vision to foster innovation and create high-value opportunities for the people of Tamil Nadu. We are committed to ensure Tamil Nadu's position as a premier investment destination for companies around the world."

AstraZeneca's Recent Developments

Last month, AstraZeneca completed the acquisition of Fusion Pharmaceuticals, a Canadian clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing next-generation radioconjugates (RCs) for $2.4 Bn.

The strategic acquisition aligns with AstraZeneca’s aim to transform cancer treatment and outcomes for patients by replacing traditional regimens such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy with more targeted treatments.

Recently, it completed its equity investment with Cellectis, a clinical-stage biotechnology company, as part of a research collaboration agreement initiated in November 2023. With this investment, AstraZeneca holds a total equity stake of approximately 44% in Cellectis.

Additionally, AstraZeneca acquired Fusion Pharmaceuticals, a Canadian specialist focused on next-generation cancer therapies, for $2.4 billion (£1.9 billion).