Overview N. Kalaiselvi , Director General of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) , announced on January 23, 2026 , the development of an Innovation, Technology and Entrepreneurship Hub by the CSIR-National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (NIIST) . The hub is expected to foster innovation and entrepreneurship in the coming years. Key Developments Foundation Stone Unveiling The foundation stone for the hub, located at the Bio-360 Life Sciences Park in Thonnackal, was unveiled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi . Prioritized Initiatives CSIR-NIIST has prioritized initiatives focused on “Kerala, Kerala-based industries and society” through five major projects proposed under the hub. Land Allocation The Kerala government has transferred ten acres of land on a 90-year lease for the project, highlighting the state's commitment to innovation and entrepreneurship. Thrust Areas Centres of excellence in Ayurveda research and sustainable packaging Regional Resource Development Centre for coir, rubber, and spices A pilot plant for the production of solar hydrogen from wastewater A production line for biopolymer and bio-based products Hub Vision The hub is envisioned as a catalyst for deep-tech innovation and a bridge between research and commercialization in the life sciences sector. It will foster an ecosystem for start-ups and medium, small, and micro enterprises (MSME) . Strategic Focus According to CSIR-NIIST director C. Anandharamakrishnan , the hub's strategic focus is contingent on national efforts to strengthen the life science industries, enable talent pool generation, and establish a life science cluster in Thiruvananthapuram, aligning with the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision. UPSC Relevance GS Paper III: Science and Technology This initiative is relevant to GS Paper III , specifically in the areas of science and technology, innovation, and industrial development. The hub's focus on Ayurveda research, sustainable packaging, and green hydrogen technologies aligns with the government's emphasis on sustainable and inclusive growth. GS Paper III: Economy The hub's role in fostering an ecosystem for start-ups and MSMEs is crucial for economic development and employment generation. This aligns with the government's policies to promote entrepreneurship and support the MSME sector. Important Facts N. Kalaiselvi is the Director General of CSIR and Secretary, Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR). The hub is located at the Bio-360 Life Sciences Park in Thonnackal. The Kerala government provided ten acres of land on a 90-year lease . The hub will focus on critical aspects of Ayurveda , such as standardization and quality control. The hub will collaborate with the Spices Board, Coir Board, and Rubber Board to drive innovation. Anert is pushing ahead with the Hydrogen Valley Innovation Cluster (HVIC) project in the State.