KERALA STATE COUNCIL FOR SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENT

Government of Kerala
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Category: New Initiatives

Centre of Excellence in Microbiome (CoEM)

The Centre of Excellence in Microbiome (CoEM) was initiated by the Government of Kerala under the aegis of Kerala State Council for Science Technology and Environment, along with the partnership of Kerala Development and Innovation Strategic Council and the scientific mentoring of Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology. CoEM aims to provide a platform to promote the research and entrepreneurships in different domains of microbiome covering one health approach to gather in-depth knowledge and to come up with appropriate solutions for the health and environment related issues. The microbiota residing in the human, animal, plant, aquatic and environmental domains can be harnessed to sustain the life and ecosystem in an unprecedented manner. The centre’s motto is ‘Microbes for Life’. The centre is currently housed at the KINFRA Film & Video Park, Kazhakoottam, Thiruvananthapuram and will be permanently relocated to Bio 360 Life Science Park at Thonnakkal, Thiruvananthapuram. Vision We aspire to be the premier institute in the country to understand microbial systems and their interactions to tackle health related concerns of all compartments of life including its environment so as to catalyse microbiome mediated interventions towards a green economy and One Health. The major focus of the Centre are as follows: Coordinates interdisciplinary research and entrepreneurship, cross domain collaborations and innovative product development Spatio-temporal mapping of microbiome data utilizing big data technologies and artificial intelligence to create a microbiome database and to generate start-ups. CoEM is envisioned as a world-class microbiome-focused innovation centre committed to grass-root level translational research to understand the role of microbiota, including their dynamic interactions with hosts, enabling the prediction of novel biomarkers, develop interventional strategies and Live biotherapeutics. The centre strives to combine basic science, translational medicine and cutting-edge multi-omic technologies such as culturomics, genomics, metagenomics, proteomics, metabolomics and data interpretation using bioinformatics, data analytics and artificial intelligence for advancing discoveries in microbiome science across various disciplines. Such discoveries will reach the general public through active entrepreneurial efforts by startup companies mentored by the CoEM. Scientific learning, training and research shall be promoted by fostering more collaborations across industries and academia at the regional, state, national and global levels.   Team   Dr. Sabu Thomas Director Contact: 8714699506,9446528299 Mail: director.coem@kerala.gov.in Personal website: www.drsabuthomas.com Dr. Mahesh S Krishna Senior Scientist Dr. Aparna Shankar Scientist Dr. Karthika S Scientist Ms. Sreelekshmi VS Laboratory Assistant

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Centre of Excellence in Nutraceuticals (CoEN)

The Centre of Excellence in Nutraceuticals [CoEN] is an initiative by Government of Kerala under Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment, to generate potent nutraceuticals, which impart therapeutic, preventive or immune stimulant function to human body, by exploiting the rich biodiversity and vast aquatic ecosystems of Kerala. Nutraceuticals range from functional foods, dietary supplements, and components derived from natural sources, to pure compounds. The major focus of the centre will be to Connect research centres, start-ups and other stakeholders working in this field Establish a Research Industry Interface to address health issues using nutraceutical interventions Screening nutraceuticals for therapeutic potential against diseases or boosting the immune system and confirm their biological safety Generating start-ups for manufacturing nutraceutical products Kerala, renowned as India’s Herbal, Ayurveda, and Marine Food capital, is set to become a hub for nutraceutical innovation with the establishment of the Centre of Excellence in Nutraceuticals (CoEN) that can cater to a nutraceutical manufacturing cluster, at the Biotechnology ecosystem, and is currently initiated at the Institute of Advanced Virology in the Bio360 Life Science Park at Thonnakkal, Thiruvananthapuram. Surrounded by Kerala’s abundant biodiversity—from the Western Ghats to rich aquatic ecosystems- CoEN aims to tap the immense potential of native plants and marine resources to create solutions for lifestyle diseases, cardiovascular issues, metabolic disorders, and cancers. CoEN aims to integrate the nutritional and pharmaceutical sciences with traditional knowledge and medical practices imparted by aboriginal communities around the world. The site is ideal due to the proximity of institutes like Institute for Advanced Virology (IAV), Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (RGCB), CSIR – National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (CSIR-NIIST), Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences & Technology (SCTMIST), Jawaharlal Nehru Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute (JNTBGRI), Central Laboratory for Instrumentation and Facilitation (CLIF), Government Ayurveda College (GAC), Kerala Agricultural University (KAU) etc. Strategically located near these prominent research institutions as well as the essential transit hubs such as Vizhinjam port, Thiruvananthapuram airport, and Central railway station would make it easier for the manufacturing units for supply chain/final product management, the centre is poised to streamline research, development, and distribution, transforming Kerala into a global nutraceutical leader. This landmark initiative, spearheaded by the Kerala State Council for Science, Technology & Environment (KSCSTE) and the Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation (KSIDC), merges the best of nutrition, pharmaceutical science, and traditional wisdom to pioneer advancements in health and wellness and will be initially supported financially by Kerala development and Innovation Strategic Council (K-DISC), which will facilitate a programme to integrate research centres, start-ups and other institutes in the field. The Kerala State Council for Science, Technology & environment (KSCSTE) under the Science and Technology Department is the nodal institution to observe the CoEN on a Build-Operate-Transfer Basis. The Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation (KSIDC), under the Industries and Commerce Department is assigned the management of the Nutra Enterprises Division of the CoEN. Team Prof. KP Sudheer PhD Chief Executive Officer Contact No- +91-471-2548289 +91-471-2548222 Email id- evpkscste.std@kerala.gov.in Dr. Ruby John Anto PhD, FNASc, FAS Chief Scientist Contact No- +91 9447617861 Email id-cs.coen@kerala.gov.in rjanto@iav.res.in Dr. Sumayya Asharaf Research Associate email: sumayyaasharaf95@gmail.com Ph: +916238011696 Lakshmi I J Project Fellow email : ilakshmi.jyothish@gmail.com Contact: +919496458308

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Science Parks Kerala

The Government of Kerala has decided to establish three Science Parks in the State to take advantage of the opportunities arising from advancements in Science and Technology. Kerala State Council for Science and Technology and Environment (KSCSTE) an autonomous society under the Science and Technology Department of the Kerala Government, is designated as the Special Purpose Vehicle responsible for executing the three Science Parks. These parks will be coming up near to the International Airports at Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam and Kannur. Each Science Park will have an investment of ₹ 200 crores and an area of 10 lakh sq. ft. in two blocks. The following respective universities are listed to serve as the Principal Associating University for the three science Parks. Sl. No. Location Principal Associating University 1 Kannur Kannur University 2 Ernakulam Cochin University of Science and Technology 3 Thiruvananthapuram Kerala University The theme areas of three Science Parks tentatively identified are as follows: Material Science & Marine Sciences [Ernakulam] Sustainable materials and technologies[Thiruvananthapuram] Bioprocessing & Bioprospecting [Kannur] The Science Park, Kerala is a platform to collaborate with International Institutions, Research and Development of Micro Small Medium Sectors and Multi-National Companies to create foster valuable relationships focusing on specific area for the research and offer trainings in associate with International Universities.   KANNUR SCIENCE PARK KSCSTE is desirous of creating a state-of-the art smart campus, for Science Park Kannur about 25 acres of land promoting industrial and entrepreneurial R&D in the field of Bioprocessing and Bio perspective. The Science Park will consist a combined plinth area of approx. 93000 Sq. m as Phase 1. The package 1 of Phase 1 shall be approx. 25000 Sq. m with an initial estimated project cost of ₹ 200 Crores. *Details of Science Parks Ernakulam and Thiruvananthapuram will be updated soon. Team   Prof. A Sabu Member Secretary KSCSTE (SPV head) Dr. Binuja Thomas Principal Scientist -KSCSTE Scientist In Charge V Suvekbala Ph.D. Manager Science Park Contact No- +91 9746905640 Email id- kscstesp@gmail.com Er. Sanoop P Hassan Assistant Manager (Infrastructure) Contact Number- 9567897333 Email id- aminfrasp@gmail.com Er. Nibhin Francis Project Engineer Science Park  

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