The growing prominence of the life sciences industry has significantly impacted the growth of real estate development globally, with more than 35 million sq. ft. of lab/research and development (R&D) properties under construction last year.
While U.S. markets top the world’s largest life sciences R&D centres, other mainstays can be found in Asia-Pacific (Hyderabad, Beijing, Shanghai, Greater Tokyo), Canada (Toronto, Montreal) and Europe (Cambridge, U.K., Paris). In the APAC region life sciences landscape, India has a leading position, driven by the expansion of pharmaceutical, biotech and medical devices companies.
Leading hubs such as Boston-Cambridge, the San Francisco Bay Area, Beijing, Shanghai, and Cambridge (UK) are shaping the next wave of life sciences growth. In the Asia-Pacific region, Beijing, Shanghai, Singapore, and Greater Tokyo have emerged as the largest markets for life sciences labs and R&D space.
As per the findings, Hyderabad emerged as a prominent global centre of life sciences manufacturing activity in India. The city is the key contributor and largest life sciences manufacturing and R&D cluster, undertaking research, training, and manufacturing. The city accounts for nearly one-third of the country’s pharmaceutical production, one-fifth of its pharmaceutical exports, and one-third of global vaccine output.
Gross office leasing space by life sciences firms in India increased by ~56% Y-o-Y to about 5.8 million sq. ft., witnessing the highest-ever leasing activity by the sector.
This growth has been driven by several factors, including increased foreign direct investment (FDI), enhanced manufacturing capabilities, a cost-effective talent pool, greater emphasis on R&D, and demographic trends such as a rising population and increasing life expectancy.
This momentum is being further reinforced by the Government of Telangana through progressive governance and strategic public-private partnerships. The recently launched Life Sciences Policy 2023–2028 offers a range of fiscal incentives and ready-to-use infrastructure to attract investment. Mega projects such as Hyderabad Pharma City—envisioned as the world’s largest integrated pharma cluster—and the Medical Devices Park are further cementing the city’s leadership as a comprehensive, end-to-end life sciences powerhouse.
