Two US-based biotech companies, Imac and Indus Expression floated by non resident Indians have planned an investment of Rs 500 crore to set up their units in India. To be located in an SEZ proposed by the Andhra Pradesh Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (APIIC) in Pulivendula, Kadapa district (the home constituency of AP chief minister YS Rajasekhara Reddy), both the units would operate from this SEZ for zoonotic diseases such as swine flu, avian flu, etc. Zoonotic diseases are diseases caused by infectious agents that can be transmitted between animals and humans. The SEZ, focusing on livestock/ animal biotech sector, would be located adjacent to the world-class research institution Indira Gandhi Centre for Advanced Research on Livestock (IGCARL).

Based on its successful model of biotech cluster created in Genome Valley in the outskirts of Hyderabad, APIIC wants to attract Bengaluru-based biotech companies to an exclusive Biotech SEZ planned in Hindupur in Ananthapur district, which is in close proximity to the new Bengaluru international Airport. Located within the industrial growth centre, the new SEZ is located over 70 acres of land and will be developed by the Bengaluru-based Salarpuria.

APIIC is also developing another SEZ in the Genome Valley near Hyderabad, with a 50-acre coverage and a focus on biopharmaceutical manufacturing. Leading global players have already been allotted land in this SEZ. This is in addition to the existing biotech SEZ in Phase III of the Biotech Park, in Karakapatla, Medak district.

AP?s Genome Valley has been attracting many global giants recently. To recall, Switzerland’s Lonza is making a $150-million?investment there. Lonza CEO Stefen Borgas had said?that the company?was attracted to?Genome Valley by?the talent pool, scientific culture and the infrastructure facilities. Lonza’s investment will take place in two phases. ?

Besides, the Genome Valley has also attracted Alexandria, the world’s largest lab space provider. The company will create ‘plug and play’ lab space to cater to the needs of global, as well as local, biotech and pharmaceutical companies.

APIIC has allotted 30 acres within the Genome Valley SEZ for the international company.