New delhi /Vijayawada : The Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), Ministry of Ayush, launched the second edition of its flagship industry–research initiative, SIDDHI 2.0 (Scientific Innovation in Drug Development, Healthcare & Integration), in Vijayawada. The two-day national conclave was organised by the Regional Ayurveda Research Institute (RARI), Vijayawada, in collaboration with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Vijayawada Zone.
The event began with an inaugural session attended by Prof. Vd. Rabinarayan Acharya, Director General, CCRAS; Shri K. Dinesh Kumar, IAS, Director (Ayush), Andhra Pradesh; Dr N. Srikanth, Deputy Director General, CCRAS; Shri Kiran Bhupatiraju, CEO, Laila Nutra Pvt. Ltd. and Chemiloids Life Sciences Pvt. Ltd.; Dr V. Nagalakshmi, Chairperson, CII Vijayawada Zone; and Dr B. Venkateshwarlu, Assistant Director, RARI, Vijayawada.
During the inauguration, CCRAS released its medico-historical publication, “Evolution of Ayurveda, Siddha & Unani Drug Regulations in India”, and launched the Drug Inventory Management System portal. The conclave provides a national platform to strengthen the scientific, industrial, and commercial ecosystem of Ayurveda.
Building on the success of PRAGATI-2024, SIDDHI 2.0 focuses on research-led product development, indigenous technology advancement, faster translation of research into products, and industry partnerships—key steps in India’s evolving Ayush innovation agenda.
Prof. Rabinarayan Acharya highlighted the growing relevance of Ayurveda’s wellness-focused approach for lifestyle-related diseases. He appreciated CII’s support in connecting CCRAS with the pharmaceutical sector and emphasised CCRAS’s initiatives, including SPARK, SMART, PDF fellowships, and research methodology programmes. He assured that IPR generated through collaborative work will be shared fairly.
Shri K. Dinesh Kumar noted that Andhra Pradesh has limited Ayurveda colleges and pharmaceutical units and suggested setting up a National Ayurveda Institute. He said SIDDHI 2.0 brings all stakeholders together and can help Ayurveda ensure a healthier lifespan for people.
Dr N. Srikanth said CCRAS has validated over 150 Ayurvedic formulations, including herbo-mineral products. He encouraged the industry to use CCRAS’s research data and highlighted the Council’s industry-friendly research policies, including IPR-sharing. He also mentioned CCRAS’s support for AI-driven, technology-enabled, and innovative Ayurveda start-ups.
From the industry perspective, Shri Kiran Bhupatiraju stressed the need to modernise Ayurvedic herbs and formulations to strengthen their global reach. Dr V. Nagalakshmi noted that Ayurveda’s full potential is yet to be realised and highlighted the importance of aligning research, education, manufacturing, and industry development to boost employment and industrial growth.
The conclave featured technical sessions led by CCRAS experts and representatives from leading companies like Himalaya Wellness Company. Scientists showcased facilities, research outcomes, products, technologies, and formulations under development. Opportunities for industry collaboration were also discussed.
Over 100 delegates participated, including representatives from 25 leading Ayurvedic pharmaceutical companies in Southern India—such as Himalaya Wellness, Oushadhi, IMPCOPS, Laila Nutra, and Imis Pharmaceuticals—along with researchers, clinicians, academicians, State Ayush officials, and postgraduate students from Dr NRS Ayurvedic College, Vijayawada.
SIDDHI 2.0 aims to promote wider industry adoption of CCRAS technologies, strengthen institutional linkages, improve quality and regulatory frameworks, and develop globally competitive Ayurvedic pharmaceuticals. By combining scientific innovation with industry collaboration, the initiative is set to create a modern, evidence-based, and scalable future for Ayurveda in line with India’s vision for holistic health.