Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will dedicate the Centre of Excellence in Microbiome (CoEM), established by the State government, to the public on Friday.
The function will be held at the CoEM located at the Kinfra Park, Kazhakuttam. On the occasion, the Chief Minister will also announce the State Microorganism, making Kerala the first State in the country to officially declare its own State microorganism.
The CoEM has been set up with the objective of scientifically studying the role of microorganisms in health, environment and sustainability and for translating research outcomes for the benefit of society.
The facility is unique as it is the first institution in the country to bring microbiome-based translational research across multiple sectors including human health, nutrition, immunity, agriculture, fisheries, and environmental conservation under one umbrella.
CoEM functions under the Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment (KSCSTE) in collaboration with the Kerala Development and Innovation Strategic Council (K-DISC). It is equipped with advanced microbiology and molecular biology laboratories, animal cell culture facilities, incubation spaces, start-up support systems and training and seminar halls. Bioinformatics infrastructure for big data analysis is also being developed and will be operational soon.
The primary focus of CoEM is to harness microbiome-based research outcomes for the development of microbial technologies across sectors. These include probiotic and prebiotic product development, enhancement of agricultural productivity, plant growth promotion, disease management, and pollution control.
CoEM has been established with KIIFB funding and scientific guidance from the Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology. It is soon expected to function from its permanent campus at the Bio 360 Life Sciences Park in Thonnakkal.
A national conclave on “Research and Industrial Prospects in the Microbiome Sector” is also being organised on Friday. The conclave will feature scientific sessions, panel discussions, startup pitching sessions, research presentations, interactions with scientists, and the exchange of Memoranda of Understanding with leading institutions, underscoring Kerala’s growing focus on innovation-driven research and industry collaboration in the life sciences sector.
Published – January 21, 2026 07:35 pm IST
