Global biopharmaceutical major AstraZeneca is investing Rs 166 crore to expand its Bengaluru operations, strengthening its footprint in India. The expansion will generate employment opportunities for 400 people and increase the workforce at the upgraded facility to 1,300 employees. This development is part of AstraZeneca's broader growth strategy in India, following the recent enhancement of its Global Innovation and Technology Centre (GITC) in Chennai.

The Bengaluru hub will serve as a comprehensive centre for the company's global operations, supporting clinical research, AI-powered healthcare innovation, global business services, digital health, regulatory compliance, and centralized data analytics. Jackie Crockford, VP of global business services at AstraZeneca, said, "Our global hub in Bengaluru is a strategic investment that strengthens our ambition to deliver 20 new medicines by 2030." The company’s overall workforce in India will rise to 4,000 employees, highlighting the country’s strategic importance in AstraZeneca’s global plans.

Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao welcomed the investment, stating, "This aligns with our vision to drive high-value employment and make Bangalore a biotechnology and digital health capital." The upgraded facility is expected to boost clinical trial efficiency, support global compliance, and foster innovation in AI-driven healthcare solutions.