IIT Madras's UDYOG finishing school: biotech grads get 3-stage industry training from Jan 18
By TUF News Desk · Published 21 October 2026 · 3 min read
Fact-checked against 2+ independent sources · Editorial policy
December 15 is the date biotech students should circle. The Indian Institute of Technology Madras launched a finishing school for biotechnology graduates on October 21, and early-bird registration for its first batch closes on that day. The batch itself begins on January 18, 2027.
The programme is called UDYOG, short for Upskilling and Development for Young Graduates. It has been set up as the IITM-Biofoundry Finishing School through SynBioME, the IIT Madras-TICEL Biofoundry, which works on biotechnology research, innovation, biomanufacturing and skill development. IIT Madras Director V Kamakoti inaugurated the programme at the campus on Tuesday.
Who can apply
It is open to pre-final-year and final-year students of BTech, MTech and MSc programmes in biotechnology and allied disciplines, from colleges and institutions across India. You do not need to be an IIT Madras student to sign up. If you are still picking where to study biotechnology, this guide to choosing a university in India walks through the factors worth weighing.
The training runs in three stages
First comes a three-month online phase through the Centre for Outreach and Digital Education (CODE) at IIT Madras, with lectures from industry experts and demonstration videos showing how industrial practices actually work.
Those who complete the online phase become eligible for the second stage: a four-week intensive, hands-on programme at the IIT Madras Biofoundry, working directly on laboratory processes and biomanufacturing workflows.
The final stage brings participants face to face with industry partners and opens up interviews for long-term internships. The programme is meant to carry students from classroom theory into workplace experience.
Why industry wants this
Guhan Jayaraman, professor in the Department of Biotechnology at IIT Madras and the programme’s principal coordinator, said the expansion of India’s biotechnology and biopharmaceutical sectors is creating demand for professionals with practical expertise in industrial processes, analytical techniques, process development and regulatory practices.
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 translate classroom learning into practical skills and prepare them for careers in biotechnology.
The institute frames UDYOG as a workforce-development push behind India’s bioeconomy ambitions, through innovation, advanced manufacturing capabilities and specialised skills.
Kamakoti said, “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.”
How to register interest
Interested students can submit an expression of interest through the official expression-of-interest page. Early-bird registration closes December 15, 2026.
Frequently asked questions
Who can apply for the IIT Madras UDYOG finishing school?
Pre-final-year and final-year BTech, MTech and MSc students in biotechnology and allied disciplines, from colleges and institutions across India.
When does the first UDYOG batch start?
January 18, 2027. Early-bird registration closes on December 15, 2026.
What does the three-stage UDYOG training involve?
Three months of online learning through IIT Madras CODE, then a four-week hands-on programme at the IIT Madras Biofoundry for those who complete the online phase, followed by engagement with industry partners and interviews for long-term internships.
Where do I register interest in UDYOG?
Through the official expression-of-interest page hosted on the IIT Madras CODE website.
Frequently asked questions
Who can apply for the IIT Madras UDYOG finishing school?
Pre-final-year and final-year BTech, MTech and MSc students in biotechnology and allied disciplines, from colleges and institutions across India.
When does the first UDYOG batch start?
January 18, 2027. Early-bird registration closes on December 15, 2026.
What does the three-stage UDYOG training involve?
Three months of online learning through IIT Madras CODE, then a four-week hands-on programme at the IIT Madras Biofoundry for those who complete the online phase, followed by engagement with industry partners and interviews for long-term internships.
Where do I register interest in UDYOG?
Through the official expression-of-interest page hosted on the IIT Madras CODE website.
Sources: The Indian Express, BusinessNewsForProfit