AstraZeneca to Invest INR 176 Cr to Expand Global Innovation & Technology Center in Chennai

The company said the funding will strengthen its capabilities in artificial intelligence, data science, machine learning, and supply chain analytics, supporting next-generation medicines and digital health solutions from India.

Global biopharmaceutical company AstraZeneca has announced a fresh investment of ₹176 Cr to expand its Global Innovation & Technology Center (GITC) in Chennai.

The move was formalised through a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed during the Tamil Nadu government’s “TN Rising” investment outreach in London, in the presence of Chief Minister M.K. Stalin.

The company said the funding will strengthen its capabilities in artificial intelligence, data science, machine learning, and supply chain analytics, supporting next-generation medicines and digital health solutions from India.

AstraZeneca employs over 2,500 professionals in India across its R&D, technology, and commercial operations.

With the new capital infusion, the Chennai GITC is expected to become one of the largest global technology and innovation centres within the group.

In a statement, AstraZeneca said, “This new investment reflects our ongoing mission to improve patient lives.”

This marks the third major commitment by AstraZeneca in India in less than two years. In July 2024, the company announced a ₹250 Cr investment to expand the Chennai GITC, and in June 2025, it allocated ₹166 Cr to set up a Global Hub in Bengaluru.

The Chennai GITC serves as a critical global capability centre, supporting AstraZeneca’s R&D, IT, analytics, and digital transformation efforts across markets.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin welcomed the move, saying, “This additional investment in Chennai is a testament to the state's reputation as a centre of excellence for global innovation.”

The AstraZeneca announcement was one among a series of MoUs signed at the London leg of Tamil Nadu’s global investor outreach programme, which seeks to attract advanced manufacturing, healthcare, and technology companies to the state.

While detailed deployment timelines and job-creation numbers were not disclosed, officials indicated the ₹176 Cr will be phased over the next two years.

The company underlined that the GITC expansion aligns with its strategic push to integrate advanced analytics and digital tools into drug discovery, development, and delivery.

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