• kscste@web
• September 20, 2025April 4, 2026
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• New Initiatives

The Centre of Excellence in Microbiome (CoEM) was initiated by the Government of Kerala under the aegis of Kerala State Council for Science Technology and Environment, along with the partnership of Kerala Development and Innovation Strategic Council and the scientific mentoring of Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology. CoEM aims to provide a platform to promote the research and entrepreneurships in different domains of microbiome covering one health approach to gather in-depth knowledge and to come up with appropriate solutions for the health and environment related issues. The microbiota residing in the human, animal, plant, aquatic and environmental domains can be harnessed to sustain the life and ecosystem in an unprecedented manner. The centre’s motto is ‘Microbes for Life’. The centre is currently housed at the KINFRA Film & Video Park, Kazhakoottam, Thiruvananthapuram and will be permanently relocated to Bio 360 Life Science Park at Thonnakkal, Thiruvananthapuram. Official Website www.coem.kerala.gov.in      

• kscste@web
• September 19, 2025March 6, 2026
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• New Initiatives

The Centre of Excellence in Nutraceuticals [CoEN] is an initiative by Government of Kerala under Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment, to generate potent nutraceuticals, which impart therapeutic, preventive or immune stimulant function to human body, by exploiting the rich biodiversity and vast aquatic ecosystems of Kerala. Nutraceuticals range from functional foods, dietary supplements, and components derived from natural sources, to pure compounds. The major focus of the centre will be to Connect research centres, start-ups and other stakeholders working in this field Establish a Research Industry Interface to address health issues using nutraceutical interventions Screening nutraceuticals for therapeutic potential against diseases or boosting the immune system and confirm their biological safety Generating start-ups for manufacturing nutraceutical products Kerala, renowned as India’s Herbal, Ayurveda, and Marine Food capital, is set to become a hub for nutraceutical innovation with the establishment of the Centre of Excellence in Nutraceuticals (CoEN) that can cater to a nutraceutical manufacturing cluster, at the Biotechnology ecosystem, and is currently initiated at the Institute of Advanced Virology in the Bio360 Life Science Park at Thonnakkal, Thiruvananthapuram. Surrounded by Kerala’s abundant biodiversity—from the Western Ghats to rich aquatic ecosystems- CoEN aims to tap the immense potential of native plants and marine resources to create solutions for lifestyle diseases, cardiovascular issues, metabolic disorders, and cancers. CoEN aims to integrate the nutritional and pharmaceutical sciences with traditional knowledge and medical practices imparted by aboriginal communities around the world. The site is ideal due to the proximity of institutes like Institute for Advanced Virology (IAV), Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (RGCB), CSIR – National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (CSIR-NIIST), Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences & Technology (SCTMIST), Jawaharlal Nehru Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute (JNTBGRI), Central Laboratory for Instrumentation and Facilitation (CLIF), Government Ayurveda College (GAC), Kerala Agricultural University (KAU) etc. Strategically located near these prominent research institutions as well as the essential transit hubs such as Vizhinjam port, Thiruvananthapuram airport, and Central railway station would make it easier for the manufacturing units for supply chain/final product management, the centre is poised to streamline research, development, and distribution, transforming Kerala into a global nutraceutical leader. This landmark initiative, spearheaded by the Kerala State Council for Science, Technology & Environment (KSCSTE) and the Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation (KSIDC), merges the best of nutrition, pharmaceutical science, and traditional wisdom to pioneer advancements in health and wellness and will be initially supported financially by Kerala development and Innovation Strategic Council (K-DISC), which will facilitate a programme to integrate research centres, start-ups and other institutes in the field. The Kerala State Council for Science, Technology & environment (KSCSTE) under the Science and Technology Department is the nodal institution to observe the CoEN on a Build-Operate-Transfer Basis. The Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation (KSIDC), under the Industries and Commerce Department is assigned the management of the Nutra Enterprises Division of the CoEN. Team Dr. E Sreekumar Chief Executive Officer Contact No – +91 471 2710064 Email id – kscste.coen@gmail.com Dr. Ruby John Anto PhD, FNASc, FAS Chief Scientist Contact No- +91 9447617861 Email id-cs.coen@kerala.gov.in rjanto@iav.res.in Dr. Reshma V R Nair Project Scientist Contact No: +91- 8075034958 E-mail id: reshmavr1992@gmail.com Dr. Rahul Chandran Project Scientist Contact No: +91-7994216799 E-mail id : rahulcsr@gmail.com Dr. Aiswarya U S Research Associate Contact No: +91-9497266025 E-mail id: aiswaryausreekumar@gmail.com Lakshmi I J Project Fellow E-mail id : ilakshmi.jyothish@gmail.com Neena K S Project Fellow E-mail id: neenaks1998@gmail.com Aiswarya Babu Administrative Assistant Email id: aiswaryababuinchrist@gmail.com Sunitha M R Technical Assistant Email id: sunitharaj1999@gmail.com

• kscste@web
• September 19, 2025April 7, 2026
• 0 Comments
• New Initiatives

The Government of Kerala has decided to establish three Science Parks in the State to take advantage of the opportunities arising from advancements in Science and Technology. Kerala State Council for Science and Technology and Environment (KSCSTE) an autonomous society under the Science and Technology Department of the Kerala Government, is designated as the Special Purpose Vehicle responsible for executing the three Science Parks. These parks will be coming up near to the International Airports at Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam and Kannur. Each Science Park will have an investment of ₹ 200 crores and an area of 10 lakh sq. ft. in two blocks. The following respective universities are listed to serve as the Principal Associating University for the three science Parks. Sl. No. Location Thematic  Domain Principal Associating University 1 Kannur Bioprocessing & Bioprospecting Kannur University 2 Ernakulam Material Science & Marine Sciences Cochin University of Science and Technology 3 Thiruvananthapuram Sustainable materials and Technologies Kerala University   The Science Park, Kerala is a platform to collaborate with International Institutions, Research and Development of Micro Small Medium Sectors and Multi-National Companies to create foster valuable relationships focusing on specific area for the research and offer trainings in associate with International Universities.   KANNUR SCIENCE PARK KSCSTE is desirous of creating a state-of-the art smart campus, for Science Park Kannur about 25 acres of land promoting industrial and entrepreneurial R&D in the field of Bioprocessing and Bio perspective. The Science Park will consist a combined plinth area of approx. 93000 Sq. m as Phase 1. The package 1 of Phase 1 shall be approx. 25000 Sq. m with an initial estimated project cost of ₹ 200 Crores. Vision To position Kerala as a global innovation hub, advancing knowledge-driven economies in bioprocessing, marine sciences, and sustainable materials, through cutting-edge research, technology development, and industry-academia collaborations that empower communities  and drive inclusive growth. Mission Establish a network of world-class Science Parks at Kannur, Ernakulam, and Thiruvananthapuram, each dedicated to a focal theme of strategic importance: Provide state-of-the-art infrastructure that enables startups, MSMEs, R&D institutions, and global industry leaders to innovate and grow. Foster international collaborations and knowledge exchange across disciplines to generate impactful technologies. Strengthen Kerala’s bioeconomy, blue economy, and green economy, creating high-value jobs and sustainable development opportunities. Ensure sustainability, inclusivity, and community empowerment are at the core of all activities. Current Status The Science Park at Kannur comprises a Admin Block (4,055 m²), two R&D Blocks (16,872 m² and 14,447 m²), and a Residential Studio Block (2,467 m²), all constructed using RCC framed structures with AAC block walls. The campus is equipped with modern MEP infrastructure including HT/LT electrical systems, DG backup, centralized HVAC with BMS integration, a 120 KLD Sewage Treatment Plant (STP), Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP), firefighting systems, CCTV, UPS, and rainwater harvesting. External works include internal roads, stormwater drainage, horticulture, compound walls, and a dedicated Solid Waste Management facility. The Science Park at Kannur is being executed on an Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) basis. A Letter of Award (LOA) has been issued to M/s Ramkrishy Infrastructure Private Limited for the complete design, procurement, and construction of the campus at an approximate contract value of ₹318 Crore, funded by the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB). The stipulated period of completion is 24 months from the date of commencement of work. RITES Limited, a Government of India enterprise under the Ministry of Railways, has been engaged as the Employer’s Representative (ER) to provide independent project management and supervision services. Their engagement has been formalized through a tripartite agreement between KSCSTE, RITES Limited, and KIIFB.   Team   Prof. A Sabu Member Secretary KSCSTE (SPV Head) Dr. Binuja Thomas Senior Principal Scientist -KSCSTE Scientist In Charge Er. Arjun Prasad Senior Scientist Dr. Siju C R Scientist Er. Sanoop P Hassan Assistant Manager (Infrastructure) Er. Nibhin Francis Project Engineer