CCRAS launches SIDDHI 2.0 to boost evidence-based innovation in Ayurveda pharma

Vijayawada, November 26: The Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), Ministry of Ayush, on Tuesday launched SIDDHI 2.0, the second edition of its national industry–research interface platform aimed at accelerating scientific innovation, translational research and evidence-based product development in the Ayurveda pharmaceutical sector. The two-day conclave is being hosted on November 26-27 in Vijayawada by the Regional Ayurveda Research Institute (RARI) in collaboration with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Vijayawada zone.

CCRAS also unveiled its medico-historical publication “Evolution of Ayurveda, Siddha & Unani Drug Regulations in India” and introduced the Drug Inventory Management System portal, strengthening ongoing efforts to modernise quality, regulatory and documentation processes in the Ayush ecosystem.

SIDDHI 2.0 builds on the momentum created by PRAGATI-2024 and signals a shift toward research-led innovation, indigenous technology development, and stronger industry partnerships. The conclave has been positioned as a national platform integrating science, industry readiness, commercial scalability and regulatory alignment in Ayurveda.

Addressing the inaugural session, Rabinarayan Acharya, director general, CCRAS, said lifestyle-related diseases were rising and Ayurveda’s preventive and wellness-oriented approach was becoming increasingly relevant. He highlighted programmes such as SPARK, SMART and CCRAS fellowship schemes, reaffirming the Council’s commitment to collaborative research. He also assured industry participants that intellectual property generated through joint work would be shared equitably.

Dinesh Kumar, IAS, director (ayush), government of Andhra Pradesh, said the state had limited Ayurveda colleges and pharmaceutical units, and proposed the establishment of a National Ayurveda Institute. He added that while modern science had extended lifespan, Ayurveda could ensure a healthier lifespan.

N. Srikanth, deputy director general, CCRAS, said the Council had validated more than 150 Ayurvedic formulations and encouraged industry players to use CCRAS’s extensive quality, safety and toxicity data. He underlined the Council’s industry-friendly research policy and support to technology-enabled and AI-driven start-ups working in the Ayurveda space.

Offering an industry perspective, Kiran Bhupatiraju, CEO of Laila Nutra Pvt Ltd and Chemiloids Life Sciences Pvt Ltd, stressed the need to modernise Ayurvedic herbs and formulations to enhance global marketability. CII Vijayawada Zone chairperson V. Nagalakshmi said stronger coordination among research, education, manufacturing and industry development would unlock the sector’s full potential and generate employment opportunities.

The conclave hosted multiple technical sessions featuring experts from CCRAS and representatives from organisations including Himalaya Wellness Company. Scientists showcased research facilities, key outcomes, technologies and formulations under development, while industry participants discussed potential collaboration areas.

More than 100 delegates participated on the first day, including representatives from over 25 major Ayurvedic pharmaceutical companies from southern India—such as Himalaya Wellness Company, Oushadhi, IMPCOPS, Laila Nutra Pvt Ltd and Imis Pharmaceuticals—along with researchers, clinicians, academicians and postgraduate scholars.

Designed as a national translational accelerator, SIDDHI 2.0 aims to strengthen industry adoption of CCRAS technologies, deepen institutional linkages, enhance regulatory and quality frameworks, and support the development of globally competitive Ayurvedic products. The initiative marks a significant step toward building a modern, research-driven and globally aligned Ayurveda sector that matches India’s vision for holistic health and innovation.