Nano draws biotech giant Alexandria to Gujarat

Alexandria Real Estate, the $5.2 billion US-based company which provides solutions to life science industry, has decided to set up a sprawling biotech research and development (R&D) and incubation facility next to the Tata Motors’ Nano project in Sanand. 

A senior official said, "Alexandria has applied for 25 acres of land and intends to spend up to Rs 500 crore for the project."

"The company’s presence will attract large number of investors in the biotech and health sector to Gujarat, especially in the vicinity of Nano. With Alexandria starting to implement its project, it is possible to develop a complete biotech park in the area," said a senior state government official.

Another proposal from Biocon, a fully integrated healthcare company that delivers innovative biopharmaceutical solutions, is pending clearance from the government. More, an Indian company has tied up with France’s Biolice in order to produce cent per cent degradable bioplastic and is looking for land near Ahmedabad.

Alexandria has global presence and puts up all the necessary equipment for R&D in biotech, including fermenters, centrifuges, autoclaves and costly NMR research equipment in its facility. Its clientele includes universities and independent not-for-profit institutions government agencies.

"After putting up the facility, it will go in for marketing its space. It will surely attract top biotech players," the official said, adding, "Alexandria has agreed to put up its facility on the condition of zero discharge of effluents This is particularly important, as the area near Nano does not have any effluent disposal pipelines."