K’taka Seeks Investment from US Life Sciences Cos to Boost Pharma & Biotech Sectors

Discussions centered around future collaborations and investment opportunities in Karnataka’s growing life sciences sector.

Karnataka is actively courting investments from US-based life sciences companies to strengthen its pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries.

The state government is highlighting its advanced infrastructure, skilled workforce, and business-friendly policies to attract foreign investment, particularly in its ambitious Knowledge, Wellbeing, and Innovation (KWIN) City project.

Karnataka’s initiatives focus on creating partnerships with research institutions and offering incentives to foreign companies to establish operations in the state.

These efforts are part of Karnataka’s long-term vision to become a global hub for life sciences. The state is leveraging its strategic advantages to appeal to international firms and position itself as a center for innovation and collaboration in the biotech and pharma sectors.

During a recent visit to the US, Karnataka’s Minister for Large and Medium Industries, M B Patil, met with representatives from leading organizations such as GE Healthcare, L3 Harris Technologies, and Johns Hopkins University.

Discussions centered around future collaborations and investment opportunities in Karnataka’s growing life sciences sector.

KWIN City: A New Hub for Innovation

One of the state’s key projects is KWIN City, a 2,000-acre development located between Doddaspete and Doddaballapur, about 60 kma from Bengaluru.

Situated along the Satellite Town Ring Road (STRR), this upcoming city is designed to foster collaboration between academic institutions, industry leaders, and research organizations.

It will house state-of-the-art facilities, research laboratories, and educational institutions to promote cutting-edge research and workforce training in life sciences and healthcare.

Collaboration with Johns Hopkins University

In the US, Karnataka’s delegation met with senior leaders from Johns Hopkins University, including representatives from the Carey Business School, Bloomberg School of Public Health, and the School of Medicine.

These discussions explored potential partnerships between Johns Hopkins and Karnataka’s academic institutions. A key focus was the possibility of establishing a higher education institution within KWIN City to promote innovation and research.

Minister Patil expressed hope that Karnataka could become a global leader in research, healthcare, and higher education, and invited Johns Hopkins to play a pivotal role in this transformation.

The state’s commitment to advancing its life sciences sector will be showcased at the Invest Karnataka Summit 2025, where the presence of leading US life sciences companies is expected to drive further investment and innovation.

Strengthening Medical Device Manufacturing

Discussions with GE Healthcare focused on enhancing the medical devices sector in Karnataka. Andrew Quinn, Executive Director of International Trade and Policy at GE Healthcare, highlighted potential synergies in medical device manufacturing.

The dialogue emphasized leveraging Karnataka’s strong infrastructure and talent pool to boost innovation in this area.

GE Healthcare already has a significant presence in Bengaluru, operating an advanced manufacturing facility. Through its joint venture with Wipro, GE received a INR 100 Cr grant under the Union government’s Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for a new Greenfield facility in Bengaluru.

This will be the company’s fourth production plant in India, manufacturing a range of medical devices, including CT machines, cath lab equipment, ultrasound scanners, and ventilators.

Minister Patil expressed optimism about the future of Karnataka’s medical technology sector, noting the opportunities for deeper engagement with GE Healthcare and other global leaders to drive innovation and growth.

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