Two major pharmaceutical companies have made significant investments in Hyderabad's life sciences ecosystem, establishing state-of-the-art innovation centers designed to accelerate global drug development through advanced technologies and India's skilled workforce.
Agilent's Comprehensive Biopharma Experience Center
Agilent Technologies, a global leader in life sciences, diagnostics, and applied chemical markets, opened its new Biopharma Experience Center in Hyderabad, marking a substantial investment in India's rapidly growing life sciences sector. The facility was inaugurated by Telangana Minister for Information Technology, Electronics, Communications, and Industries, Duddila Sridhar Babu, alongside Padraig McDonnell, president and CEO of Agilent.
The center is designed to support the full drug development journey, bringing together advanced laboratory technologies, expert training, and regulatory-ready workflows. It offers end-to-end solutions across key modalities including chromatography, mass spectrometry, cell analysis, and lab informatics, enabling companies to simulate real laboratory environments, test for quality and compliance, and co-create market-ready solutions.
"India is a strategic growth market for Agilent, and Hyderabad is at the forefront of biopharma innovation," said McDonnell. "This new centre reflects our commitment to delivering integrated solutions that help bring life-changing therapies to market faster and more efficiently. It also reinforces our support for the 'Make-in-India' initiative by empowering local innovation, nurturing talent, and enabling scalable, affordable, and sustainable solutions."
Eli Lilly's Digital Innovation Hub
American multinational pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly and Company inaugurated a new technology and innovation hub in Hyderabad on August 4, establishing a 2.20 lakh square foot facility in Gachibowli's Phoenix Equinox building. The strategic center will serve digital innovation across Lilly's worldwide operations, leveraging India's talent pool in artificial intelligence and data sciences.
The company has already hired 100 professionals and plans to expand its headcount to 1,500 in the coming years, focusing on AI, automation, cloud computing, and software engineering. The expansion is central to Lilly's strategy of embedding advanced digital capabilities to improve efficiency and accelerate the journey from laboratory to patient.
"This expansion brings together top talent in AI, data science, and engineering to build the digital foundation that will accelerate the discovery and delivery of innovative medicines," said Diogo Rau, Executive Vice President and Chief Information and Digital Officer for Eli Lilly. "Hyderabad offers the perfect blend of deep technical expertise and a spirit of collaboration, making it a natural partner in our mission."
Hyderabad's Growing Life Sciences Ecosystem
The investments validate Hyderabad's position as a global hub for healthcare innovation. According to Minister Duddila Sridhar Babu, Hyderabad has emerged as a complete healthcare and life sciences ecosystem, hosting eight of the top ten global pharma companies, five of India's leading healthcare chains, and over 230 US FDA-approved manufacturing facilities.
The city contributes nearly one-third of India's pharmaceutical production and 40% of bulk drug exports, making a strong impact both nationally and globally. "With a strong talent base and a clear focus on innovation, we are building a future-ready healthcare system," said Minister Babu.
Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy emphasized the significance of these developments, stating, "We are delighted to welcome Lilly to Hyderabad's growing life sciences ecosystem. The inauguration of this new site further reinforces the city's position as a global hub for healthcare innovation."
Strategic Focus on Major Health Challenges
The Hyderabad facilities will support global efforts in tackling major health challenges. Lilly's hub will focus on redefining care for diabetes and obesity, advancing the fight against Alzheimer's disease, and developing treatments for complex cancers and immune disorders.
Agilent's investment is part of the company's broader three-to-five-year India growth strategy, which includes expanding its footprint, deepening customer partnerships, and positioning India as a strategic hub in Agilent's global innovation and profitability roadmap. The company already operates an India Solution Center in Manesar, launched earlier this year, further reflecting its ongoing commitment to the Indian market.
