Takeda Pharma Launches First Innovation Capability Centre in Asia

Japanese pharmaceutical firm Takeda opened its inaugural Innovation Capability Centre (ICC) in Bengaluru, signifying its first venture in Asia. The ICC plans to hire 750 professionals, such as software engineers, data scientists, and cybersecurity specialists, prioritizing AI-focused talent, the company announced on Wednesday.

Speaking to ET on the sidelines of the inauguration, Takeda’s Chief Data and Technology Officer, Gabriele Ricci, stated that Bengaluru was selected by the company due to its strong talent reservoir in data, digital, and technology, along with its distinctive ecosystem of academic institutions, startups, and technology partners.

The CTO said it views AI as a key enabler in drug discovery, clinical trials, manufacturing, and patient care. “We are living in amazing times with the intersection of science and technology. Emerging technologies like AI, generative AI, and robotics offer unique opportunities to create solutions that can impact healthcare systems worldwide,” Ricci said.

Ricci added that the Bengaluru facility will focus on developing products such as a plasma-derived therapies donor management system and a global platform for healthcare professional (HCP) data. “The Indian team will also develop scalable, multi-language tools and other digital products to enhance patient support and care experiences,” he said.

In the coming years, Takeda intends to broaden its attention on therapeutic fields like inflammation, oncology, and rare diseases, with funding directed towards plasma-derived treatments and vaccines, Ricci mentioned during the ICC launch.