IIT Madras Launches UDYOG Finishing School to Make Biotechnology Graduates Industry-Ready IIT Madras Launches UDYOG Finishing School to Make Biotechnology Graduates Industry-Ready =========================================================================================== Published October 22, 2026 Starting: October 22, 2026 12:00 AM Ending: January 18, 2027 12:00 AM The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) has launched UDYOG (Upskilling and Development for Young Graduates), an industry-oriented finishing school designed to equip biotechnology graduates with practical skills required in India’s biotechnology and biomanufacturing sectors. The first batch of the programme is scheduled to commence on January 18, 2027. Early-bird registrations close on December 15, 2026, and interested candidates can submit an expression of interest through the official website. **About the UDYOG Programme** UDYOG aims to bridge the gap between academic education and industry requirements by combining online learning, intensive laboratory training, exposure to pilot-scale operations, and opportunities for industry internships. The programme is intended to help students develop practical expertise and prepare for careers in biotechnology and biopharmaceutical industries. **UDYOG Eligibility Criteria** The programme is open to pre-final-year and final-year students pursuing the following qualifications in biotechnology and allied disciplines at colleges and institutions across India: - B.Tech - M.Tech - M.Sc. Programme Structure and Training UDYOG follows a three-stage training pathway designed to progressively develop participants’ industry-relevant skills. Training Stage Duration Details Online Learning 3 months Delivered through IIT Madras’s Centre for Outreach and Digital Education (CODE), featuring lectures by industry experts and demonstration videos of industrial practices. Hands-on Training 4 weeks Participants who complete the online stage will be considered for intensive training at the IIT Madras Biofoundry, covering laboratory processes and biomanufacturing workflows. Industry Engagement Not specified Selected participants may receive opportunities to engage with industry partners and interview for long-term internships. Who Is Behind the Initiative? The IITM-Biofoundry Finishing School was inaugurated by IIT Madras Director V. Kamakoti on the institute’s campus. The initiative is being launched through SynBioME, the IIT Madras–TICEL Biofoundry, which focuses on biotechnology research, innovation, biomanufacturing, and skill development. Guhan Jayaraman, professor in the Department of Biotechnology at IIT Madras, serves as the programme’s principal coordinator. Objectives of the UDYOG Finishing School The initiative aims to address the growing demand for professionals with practical knowledge of industrial biotechnology processes. The programme focuses on developing skills in areas such as: - Industrial processes and biomanufacturing workflows - Analytical techniques and laboratory practices - Process development - Pilot-scale operations - Industry engagement and internship preparation - Regulatory practices relevant to biotechnology and biopharmaceutical sectors According to the programme’s leadership, the growth of India’s biotechnology and biopharmaceutical industries is increasing the need for graduates who can apply academic knowledge to real-world industrial environments. **Industry Collaboration and Career Preparation** IIT Madras Director V. Kamakoti emphasized the importance of collaboration between academia and industry, highlighting the need for science and engineering disciplines to remain connected with industry requirements. Guhan Jayaraman noted that UDYOG is intended to complement students’ academic knowledge with practical training and industry exposure. Chella Pandian Pitchai of Biocon also highlighted the role of internships and mentorship in helping young graduates translate classroom learning into professional skills. Important Dates Event Date Early-Bird Registration Deadline December 15, 2026 First Batch Commencement January 18, 2027 **Conclusion** The UDYOG Finishing School represents an industry-focused initiative by IIT Madras to prepare young biotechnology graduates for professional opportunities in biotechnology, biomanufacturing, and biopharmaceutical sectors. Through online education, intensive laboratory training, and potential industry engagement, the programme aims to create a structured pathway from academic learning to workplace readiness. Interested candidates should submit an expression of interest through the official IIT Madras UDYOG website and review the latest programme details, eligibility conditions, and registration requirements before applying.