Hyderabad: The Belgian Embassy and Honorary Consul General in Hyderabad, G.V. Prasad, successfully organised the Indo-Belgian Life Sciences Conference in Hyderabad, partnering with members of the Belgian Life Sciences cluster, research institutions, biotech and pharmaceutical companies, and the Indian ecosystem.
The event on Tuesday brought together over 200 participants, including researchers, policymakers, and industry leaders from India and Belgium, to address global healthcare challenges and explore collaborative opportunities.
Key discussions at the conference covered vaccine trials, where India’s large and unique birth cohort was highlighted as ideal for research.
The need for AI-driven tools and upstream development in life sciences was emphasised. In medical devices India’s USD 14 billion industry growth, MedTech parks, and frugal innovations like medical isotopes stood out.
Discussions on biotech underscored the importance of clear regulations for new therapies and public or philanthropic funding for affordable innovation.
Also, some insights on nanobody platforms, academia-industry collaboration, and funding strategies that have led to biotech success. Collaboration in infrastructure, skills, and partnerships was identified as a priority.
Addressing at the conference, Didier Vanderhasselt, Ambassador of Belgium to India, said, “Belgium’s expertise in life sciences, combined with India’s manufacturing capabilities, can transform global healthcare, ensuring both innovation and wider accessibility.”
He described Belgium as a hub of world-class universities and research institutions, the second-largest exporter of pharmaceuticals in Europe, and a leading destination for clinical trials.
Drawing an analogy with vaccine doses that require repetition for sustained impact, he noted that this conference should not be seen as a one-time event but as the beginning of a long-term collaboration.
G.V. Prasad, Honorary Consul of Belgium and Co-Chairman & MD, Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Ltd., said, “This partnership combines Belgium’s advanced R&D with India’s ability to scale, enabling the creation of affordable and sustainable healthcare innovations.”
He pointed out that the Indian industry is exploring new frontiers for innovation, which is crucial for its continued growth, and noted that Belgium can play a key role in this journey.
“Belgium has the highest per-capita patents in the world, and its companies can benefit from access to clinical specimens and other strengths that India offers,” he added.
Welcoming the organisers and participants to the conference, Telangana Minister for Industries D. Sridhar Babu highlighted India’s contributions to global healthcare, with Telangana playing a key role, and praised Belgium for its leadership and innovation in healthcare and life sciences.
“Belgium sets a strong example of excellence in healthcare and life sciences innovation,” the minister added.
Telangana Special Chief Secretary (IT and Industries Jayesh Ranjan, and Telangana Life Sciences Director Shakthi Nagappan, in their session, highlighted how Telangana is leading the way in transforming the innovation ecosystem, setting itself apart from other states.
They discussed key advancements in life sciences, digital health, and the state’s initiatives to support startups and incubators, creating a robust environment for growth and innovation.
