U.S. biotech leader Amgen is set to expand its global footprint with the launch of a new technology and innovation center in Hyderabad. Scheduled to begin operations by the fourth quarter of 2024, the center will be located in the tech-focused HITEC City, occupying six floors within the RMZ Spire Tower, with the capacity to house up to 3,000 employees.
Amgen India will prioritize the development and scaling of new technology solutions and digital capabilities aimed at improving overall efficiency within the company. The center will initially focus on areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), data science, and life sciences, with plans to expand its global capabilities in the future.
Som Chattopadhyay has been appointed as the national executive, tasked with leading Amgen’s growth and operations in India.
David M. Reese, Amgen’s executive vice president and chief technology officer, highlighted the significance of the new center, stating, "As the global population ages rapidly, the fusion of biotechnology and technology enables Amgen to operate with greater speed, confidence, and efficiency. Opening this new site in India, a nation renowned for its exceptional technology and life sciences talent, is a major step forward in our mission to serve patients”.
Based in California, Amgen is a prominent player in the biotech industry, with a revenue of $28.2 billion in 2023. The company employs nearly 27,000 people worldwide and operates in around 100 countries, including India.
Amgen’s new Hyderabad center reinforces the city’s status as a growing hub for innovation and technology. Chief Minister Anumula Revanth Reddy welcomed the investment, noting Hyderabad's appeal to multinational pharmaceutical and medical technology companies.
Several global companies have recently announced significant investments in their Global Capability Centers (GCCs) in India. Sanofi has pledged Rs 3,600 crore to expand its operations in Hyderabad, while AstraZeneca plans to invest Rs 250 crore to grow its Global Innovation and Technology Centre in Chennai, which is expected to create around 1,300 jobs by 2025. Novartis, an early investor in India, employs over 8,100 people, with most working at its Hyderabad GCC.
Other multinational companies, including Bristol Myers Squibb, Bayer, Merck, Novo Nordisk, Medtronic, Siemens Healthineers, and GE Healthcare, have also set up GCCs in India to take advantage of the country’s skilled workforce, particularly in technology. These centers are crucial for supporting global operations, optimizing manufacturing processes, and advancing drug discovery and clinical trials.