Lonza Group Chooses Hyderabad for New Global Capability Centre
In a significant development for India's life sciences sector, Swiss contract development and manufacturing organisation (CDMO) leader Lonza Group AG has officially selected Hyderabad as the location for its new global capability centre (GCC). This strategic move reinforces Telangana's aggressive push to position Hyderabad as a premier global hub for life sciences and biopharmaceutical innovation.
Formal Announcement and Government Engagement
A high-level delegation from Lonza recently met with Telangana's IT and Industries Minister D Sridhar Babu and Telangana Lifesciences CEO Shakthi M Nagappan to formally communicate the company's decision. During the meeting, the delegation provided an outline of their proposed plans for the centre, marking a crucial step in the establishment process.
Lonza, which operates over 30 sites worldwide and employs nearly 20,000 professionals globally, reported impressive sales of CHF 6.5 billion in 2025. The company's expansion into Hyderabad represents a major vote of confidence in the region's capabilities.
Why Hyderabad Emerged as the Preferred Destination
According to Lonza officials, the decision followed an extensive and thorough evaluation process. Hyderabad emerged as the preferred destination due to several key factors:
- Deep Talent Pool: The city's rich reservoir of skilled professionals in life sciences and related fields
- Quality Infrastructure: World-class facilities and technological infrastructure supporting advanced research and development
- Supportive Industrial Ecosystem: A conducive environment for pharmaceutical and biotech companies with favorable policies and collaborative networks
Senior Lonza representatives have been engaged in detailed discussions with Telangana Lifesciences, the Industries and Commerce Department, and other stakeholders over recent months to ensure a smooth implementation.
Economic Impact and Job Creation
Minister Sridhar Babu emphasized that this investment significantly strengthens Telangana's standing for innovation-led growth. He noted that the GCC could create a substantial number of high-value jobs over the coming years, contributing to the state's economic development.
Nagappan confirmed that the state government would work closely with Lonza to support execution and ensure long-term value creation. The GCC is expected to generate high-value employment opportunities and deepen Hyderabad's role in the global biopharmaceutical value chain.
While both the state government and Lonza have not revealed specific details about the number of planned hires or the exact nature of work to be undertaken at the GCC, industry experts anticipate significant research, development, and operational functions will be established.
This development represents another milestone in Hyderabad's transformation into a global life sciences powerhouse, attracting major international players and creating new opportunities for skilled professionals in the region.
