In a major development aimed at strengthening Kerala’s innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem, the CSIR-National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (CSIR-NIIST) has received Cabinet approval from the Government of Kerala to establish an Extension Centre for Innovation, Technology, and Entrepreneurship at the Bio 360 Life Sciences Park, a flagship initiative of the Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation (KSIDC), Government of Kerala. The approval includes the allocation of 10 acres of land on a 90-year lease at no financial cost.
The proposed CSIR-NIIST Innovation Centre will serve as a collaborative hub fostering interdisciplinary research, product development, and entrepreneurship. Major initiatives planned under the Centre include a pilot plant for solar hydrogen production from wastewater, a bio-enabler biomanufacturing unit, a biopolymer and bio-based product production line, an AYUSH manufacturing and standardization hub, and a regional resource development center.