Kerala model repeats; Chief Minister inaugurates India's first Centre of Excellence in Microbiome

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan stated that Kerala is leading the country in promoting research and studies in the field of microbiome and startups in this area. He was speaking after inaugurating the Centre of Excellence in Microbiome, which has started functioning at KINFRA, Kazhakoottam.

"This is the first institution in India to facilitate research, studies and startup promotion in the field of microbiome. 30 such centres of excellence will be started across Kerala. Four science parks are being prepared in the state at a cost of Rs 1,000 crore. The first phase of the Digital Science Park has been completed in Thiruvananthapuram."

"Translational research labs will be set up at universities with an investment of Rs 200 crore. Thiruvananthapuram will be turned into an AI hub. Research and studies will be conducted on how to combat harmful microorganisms and how to use beneficial ones for health care. The spread of infectious diseases is the biggest challenge facing Kerala's health sector. More than 70 percent of new infectious diseases are zoonotic diseases. A one-health approach is essential for Kerala's security and progress," the Chief Minister said.