IIT Madras Launches UDYOG Finishing School for Biotechnology Graduates
The IITM-Biofoundry Finishing School – UDYOG (Upskilling and Development for YOung Graduates) was inaugurated by IIT Madras Director Prof V Kamakoti on Wednesday.
The programme aims to bridge the gap between academic education and industry requirements through online courses, intensive hands-on laboratory training, pilot-scale exposure and industry internship opportunities.
The first batch is scheduled to commence on January 18, 2027, with early-bird registration closing on December 15, 2026.
The programme is open to pre-final-year and final-year BTech, MTech and MSc students pursuing biotechnology and allied disciplines at colleges and institutions across India.
Speaking at the launch, Prof Kamakoti said collaboration between academia and industry had become essential for science and engineering disciplines to remain relevant to the modern world.
UDYOG is another initiative by IIT Madras in this direction, he said.
The programme is being implemented through SynBioME, the IIT Madras-TICEL Biofoundry, and is coordinated by Prof Guhan Jayaraman of the Department of Biotechnology at IIT Madras.
Prof Jayaraman said the expansion of India’s biotechnology and biopharmaceutical sectors had increased demand for professionals with practical expertise in industrial processes, analytical techniques, process development and regulatory practices.
UDYOG seeks to address this demand by supplementing academic knowledge with industry-relevant training and exposure to biomanufacturing operations, he said.
Chella Pandian Pitchai, Associate Vice-President and Global Head of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Culture, Values and Belongingness, Youth and Women Development at Biocon, said industry exposure through internships and mentorship could help young people apply their knowledge and prepare for professional roles.
The training programme will be conducted in three stages. The first comprises three months of online learning through the Centre for Outreach and Digital Education (CODE) at IIT Madras, supplemented by lectures from industry experts and demonstration videos on industrial practices.
Participants who successfully complete the online component will be considered for selection to a four-week intensive hands-on training programme at the IIT Madras Biofoundry, providing exposure to laboratory processes and biomanufacturing workflows.
Following the practical training, selected participants may get opportunities to engage with industry partners and attend interviews for long-term internships.
The initiative is expected to support workforce development in biotechnology and contribute to India’s efforts to strengthen its bioeconomy through innovation, advanced manufacturing and specialised skills.
TNT KM
