Lonza Selects Hyderabad for Global Capability Centre, Strengthening India’s Role in Global Biopharma Operations

Swiss life sciences major Lonza will establish a Global Capability Centre in Hyderabad, reflecting the city’s growing importance in the global pharmaceutical innovation ecosystem

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Swiss life sciences company Lonza Group has announced plans to set up a new Global Capability Centre (GCC) in Hyderabad, a move expected to strengthen India’s role in the global pharmaceutical and biotechnology value chain.

The decision was communicated during a meeting between Lonza representatives and Telangana’s Minister for Industries and Commerce D. Sridhar Babu, along with Shakthi M. Nagappan, CEO of Telangana Lifesciences. During the interaction, the company delegation outlined its plans for the proposed facility and its expansion strategy in India.

Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, and founded in 1897, Lonza operates more than 30 facilities globally and employs around 20,000 people. The company reported sales of CHF 6.5 billion and core EBITDA of CHF 2.1 billion in 2025.

Hyderabad chosen after global evaluation

According to the company, Hyderabad emerged as the preferred location after an extensive evaluation process that assessed potential destinations worldwide. Lonza cited the city’s deep talent pool, strong infrastructure, and supportive industrial ecosystem as key factors behind the decision.

Senior executives from Lonza had held multiple discussions in recent months with Telangana Lifesciences and the state’s Industries and Commerce Department before finalising the investment plan. These engagements helped build confidence in Hyderabad as the site for the company’s next capability centre.

Telangana government welcomes investment

Welcoming the development, Industries and Commerce Minister D. Sridhar Babu said the project reflects Hyderabad’s growing appeal to global life sciences companies.

“We are thrilled to welcome Lonza’s decision to establish its new centre in Hyderabad. The city continues to stand out as the bright spot for global life sciences investments, driven by its strong scientific ecosystem, digital depth, and world-class manufacturing capabilities,” he said.

He added that the investment is expected to reinforce Telangana’s position as a destination for innovation-driven growth in the biopharmaceutical sector and could create significant employment opportunities in the years ahead.

Expansion of Telangana’s life sciences ecosystem

Shakthi M. Nagappan, CEO of Telangana Lifesciences, described the project as another milestone in the expansion of the state’s life sciences ecosystem.

“We are delighted that Lonza has chosen Hyderabad for this expansion. This decision marks another significant milestone in the continued expansion of Telangana’s life sciences ecosystem,” he said.

Nagappan added that the state government and its life sciences ecosystem partners would work closely with the company to ensure successful implementation of the project and enable long-term value creation.

Boost to Hyderabad’s position in global pharma value chain

The upcoming Global Capability Centre is expected to generate high-value employment and deepen Hyderabad’s integration into the global biopharmaceutical value chain.

Industry observers note that Hyderabad has increasingly emerged as a hub for life sciences capability centres, with multinational pharmaceutical companies setting up centres focused on digital operations, R&D support, data analytics and global regulatory functions.

Lonza’s planned GCC is expected to further reinforce the city’s growing reputation as a strategic base for global pharmaceutical innovation and operations.