The Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), Ministry of Ayush, launched the second edition of its flagship industry–research interface initiative, SIDDHI 2.0 (Scientific Innovation in Drug Development, Healthcare & Integration) in Vijayawada. The two-day national conclave has been organised by the Regional Ayurveda Research Institute (RARI), Vijayawada, in collaboration with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Vijayawada Zone.
Inaugural Ceremony Marks Key Releases
The programme opened with an inaugural session attended by Prof. Vd. Rabinarayan Acharya, Director General, CCRAS; Shri K. Dinesh Kumar, IAS, Director (Ayush), Government of Andhra Pradesh; Dr N. Srikanth, Deputy Director General, CCRAS; Mr. Kiran Bhupatiraju, CEO, Laila Nutra Pvt. Ltd. and Chemiloids Life Sciences Pvt. Ltd.; Dr V. Nagalakshmi, Chairperson (CII), Vijayawada Zone; and Dr B. Venkateshwarlu, Assistant Director (I/c), RARI, Vijayawada.
During the event, CCRAS released its medico-historical publication, Evolution of Ayurveda, Siddha & Unani Drug Regulations in India, along with the Drug Inventory Management System portal. These launches reinforced the conclave’s vision of strengthening the scientific, industrial, and commercial ecosystem of Ayurveda.
Driving India’s Ayush Innovation Agenda
Building on the momentum of PRAGATI-2024 (Pharma Research in Ayurgan and Techno-Innovation), SIDDHI 2.0 represents a strategic shift toward research-led product development, indigenous technology enhancement, and faster translational pathways. Additionally, it aims to deepen industry partnerships—key components of India’s evolving Ayush innovation roadmap.
Leaders Emphasise Research, Collaboration, and Innovation
Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Rabinarayan Acharya highlighted the rising incidence of lifestyle-related diseases and underscored the growing relevance of Ayurveda’s wellness-centric model. He appreciated CII’s role in facilitating direct interaction between CCRAS and the pharmaceutical industry. He also pointed to initiatives such as SPARK, SMART, PDF fellowships, and research methodology programmes and reiterated CCRAS’s commitment to collaborative research, assuring equitable sharing of IPR generated through joint efforts.
Shri K. Dinesh Kumar observed that Andhra Pradesh has limited Ayurveda colleges and pharmaceutical units and recommended establishing a National Ayurveda Institute. He noted that while modern science has increased lifespan, Ayurveda can ensure a healthier lifespan. He added that SIDDHI 2.0 brings key stakeholders onto a unified platform.
Dr. N. Srikanth informed participants that CCRAS has validated more than 150 Ayurvedic formulations, including herbo-mineral preparations. He encouraged industry stakeholders to utilise CCRAS’s extensive quality, safety, and toxicity datasets and highlighted the Council’s industry-friendly research policies and IPR-sharing framework. He also pointed to CCRAS’s support for Ayurveda-based, AI-driven, and technology-enabled innovations.
From an industry perspective, Mr. Kiran Bhupatiraju emphasised the need to modernise Ayurvedic herbs and formulations to expand global opportunities. Similarly, Dr. V. Nagalakshmi stressed the importance of aligning research, education, manufacturing, and industry development to unlock Ayurveda’s full potential. She added that increased research activity can drive industrial growth and create employment.
Technical Sessions Showcase Innovation
As reported by pib.gov.in, the conclave featured multiple technical sessions led by CCRAS experts and representatives from leading organisations such as Himalaya Wellness Company. CCRAS scientists exhibited research facilities, major outcomes, newly developed technologies, and formulations under various stages of development. They also explored potential collaboration areas with industry. The first day saw strong participation from pharmaceutical stakeholders and vibrant discussions focused on accelerating evidence-based growth in the Ayush sector.
Strong Industry Participation from Southern India
SIDDHI 2.0 brought together more than 100 delegates, including representatives from over 25 leading Ayurvedic pharmaceutical companies from Southern India—such as Himalaya Wellness Company, Oushadhi, IMPCOPS, Laila Nutra Pvt. Ltd., and Imis Pharmaceuticals. Researchers, clinicians, academicians, State Ayush officials, and postgraduate scholars from Dr. NRS Ayurvedic College, Vijayawada, also joined the event.
Shaping the Future of Evidence-Based Ayurveda
Envisioned as a national translational accelerator, SIDDHI 2.0 aims to expand industry adoption of CCRAS technologies, reinforce institutional linkages, upgrade quality and regulatory mechanisms, and support the development of globally competitive Ayurvedic pharmaceuticals. SIDDHI 2.0 advances scientific innovation and industry collaboration. It lays the foundation for a modern, evidence-driven, and scalable future for Ayurveda aligned with India’s holistic health goals.