The World Economic Forum (WEF) is set to launch its first thematic centre on healthcare and life sciences in Hyderabad, in collaboration with the Telangana government. The collaboration agreement was signed by Jeremy Jurgens, Managing Director, World Economic Forum, and Shakthi Nagappan, CEO, Telangana Life Sciences Foundation – Government of Telangana, at the World Economic Forum’s 53rd annual meeting on Monday.
C4IR Telangana is the 18th centre to join the World Economic Forum’s Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR) Network, which is spread in four continents. C4IR Telangana is the second C4IR centre in India after Mumbai. The Hyderabad centre will be an autonomous, non-profit organisation, leading on policy and governance for healthcare and life sciences, said the release issued by the WEF.
Telangana is regarded as a leading life sciences hotspot in Asia. It accounts for one-third of global vaccine output, and contributes to about 35 per cent of India’s pharmaceutical production. “Known for its strength in life sciences, Telangana is uniquely positioned to lead this effort, and the new Centre will play an important role in transforming the regional, national and global healthcare sector, and improving patient access and outcomes. It will accelerate product development and delivery innovation within the overall Indian healthcare system,” said WEF’s Head of Healthcare, Dr. Shyam Bishen.
