Thermo Fisher Scientific has inaugurated the expanded Research and Development (R&D) Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, marking a major step in advancing antibody research, design, and manufacturing from India. The facility was officially opened by Sanjeev Kumar Gupta, CEO of the Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM), in the presence of dignitaries from Karnataka Digital Economy Mission, KEONICS, and the Karnataka Innovation & Technology Society (KITS).

The expansion represents Thermo Fisher’s continued investment in India’s growing life sciences sector, with an infusion of over ₹160 crore to enhance capabilities in antibody development. The 37,000 sq. ft. facility integrates next-generation automation, data analytics, and advanced laboratory platforms supporting immunoassays, protein analysis, and cell-based studies. The new phase will generate more than 100 highly skilled roles, contributing to Karnataka’s thriving biotechnology ecosystem.

Senior leaders from Thermo Fisher were present at the ceremony, including Gianluca Pettiti, Executive Vice President and Sector President, Life Sciences, Diagnostics and Applied Sector; Srinath Venkatesh, Managing Director, India & South Asia; and Manoj Prasad, Vice President, IT & Digital Solutions, APAC & MEA.

Priyank Kharge, Minister for Electronics, IT & Bt and Rural Development & Panchayat Raj, Government of Karnataka, said, “Karnataka has long positioned itself as a vibrant hub for biotechnology and life sciences. The expansion of Thermo Fisher’s facility is a testament to the state’s continued emphasis of this objective. Through our Karnataka Biotechnology Mission and aligned state policies, we are enabling innovation, nurturing talent, and facilitating collaboration between government, academia and industry. This facility strengthens the state’s capability to contribute meaningfully to India’s broader biotechnology vision.”

Gianluca Pettiti added, “We’re honored to deepen our partnership with the Government of Karnataka. Bengaluru is a strategic hub for Thermo Fisher, and this expansion reflects our long-term commitment to India’s innovation ecosystem. By investing in talent and capabilities here, we will accelerate scientific progress and better serve customers in India and around the world.”

Over the last 18 years, Thermo Fisher’s Bengaluru R&D Centre has played a pivotal role in the company’s global innovation network—developing over 2,000 high-quality recombinant antibodies that have advanced research in infectious diseases, antiviral therapies, and cancer biology. Its validation programmes have tested more than 25,000 antibodies, while in-house manufacturing has produced over 2,000 primary and secondary antibodies, ensuring global standards of quality and reproducibility.