IIT Madras has launched UDYOG (Upskilling and Development for Young Graduates), an industry-oriented finishing school designed to prepare biotechnology graduates for professional roles in biotechnology and biomanufacturing. The programme aims to bridge the gap between academic learning and the practical skills employers expect from young professionals.

The initiative was inaugurated by Professor V. Kamakoti, Director of IIT Madras, on October 21, 2026. It combines online learning, hands-on laboratory training, exposure to industrial processes and potential internship opportunities to help students understand how biotechnology knowledge is applied in real-world settings. 

Three-stage training programme

UDYOG will follow a three-stage training pathway, beginning with online education and progressing towards practical industry exposure.

1. Online learning

The first stage consists of three months of online learning delivered through the Centre for Outreach and Digital Education (CODE) at IIT Madras. Students will receive instruction from industry experts, supported by demonstration videos explaining industrial practices.

2. Hands-on laboratory training

Students who complete the online component will be considered for selection to a four-week intensive training programme at the IIT Madras Biofoundry. This stage will provide practical exposure to laboratory procedures, biomanufacturing workflows and pilot-scale operations.

3. Industry exposure and internships

After completing the practical training, selected participants may have opportunities to interact with industry partners and participate in interviews for long-term internships. These opportunities are intended to help students understand workplace expectations and apply their academic knowledge to professional challenges. 

Who can apply for UDYOG?

The programme is open to pre-final-year and final-year students pursuing BTech, MTech and MSc degrees in biotechnology and allied disciplines. Students from colleges and institutes across India can express their interest through the programme's official website.

The first batch is scheduled to begin on January 18, 2027, while the early-bird registration deadline is December 15, 2026.

The initiative is being launched through SynBioME, the IIT Madras–TICEL Biofoundry, which focuses on biotechnology research, innovation, biomanufacturing and skill development. Professor Guhan Jayaraman, Professor in the Department of Biotechnology at IIT Madras, is coordinating the programme as its principal coordinator. 

“AI also means Academia-Industry. It is becoming an absolute necessity that every discipline of Science and Engineering must look at this AI with care to make themselves relevant to the modern world. UDYOG is yet another effort taken by IIT Madras in this direction.” - Professor V. Kamakoti, Director of IIT Madras.

His remarks underline the importance of closer engagement between educational institutions and employers as scientific and industrial fields evolve. Through UDYOG, IIT Madras aims to give biotechnology students opportunities to develop practical competencies alongside their academic qualifications. 

Strengthening biotechnology career opportunities

Biotechnology and biomanufacturing require professionals who understand laboratory methods, analytical techniques, process development and industrial practices. UDYOG seeks to address these requirements by connecting classroom learning with structured practical training.

For students, the programme offers a potential route to gain specialised experience before entering the workforce. Its combination of online instruction, laboratory exposure and industry engagement could help participants better understand career opportunities in biotechnology and related sectors.

The initiative also reflects the growing importance of preparing graduates for specialised technical roles through industry-oriented education. By offering a structured pathway from academic learning to practical experience, IIT Madras is seeking to strengthen the readiness of young biotechnology professionals for the evolving demands of the sector.