People's University: Offering Biotechnology Programs With An Industry-Aligned Curriculum & Advanced Research Facilities For Hands-On Learning

The higher education landscape in biotechnology and allied sciences faces significant challenges in preparing students for a rapidly evolving global industry. With many institutions finding it difficult to offer practical training and exposure to cutting-edge technologies, the gap between academic curricula and industry demands remains a serious concern. Additionally, the high cost of quality education often limits access for deserving students from diverse socio-economic backgrounds.

The Biotechnology Industry is projected to grow at a CAGR of 13.9 percent by 2030, demanding highly skilled professionals who will facilitate interdisciplinary studies, innovativeness, and regulatory compliance operations. Such institutions need to overcome these challenges through research-based learning, industry-academia collaboration, and inclusive opportunities to address the needs of this vibrant market.

People's University, established in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, in 2011 under the People's Group, is addressing these challenges through its Centre for Scientific Research and Development (CSRD). The University is founded on the vision of providing quality education in medicine, dentistry, engineering, management, and biotechnology. It has since evolved into a centre for interdisciplinary learning and translational research.

CSRD bridges the academic-industry gap by offering state-of-the-art laboratories equipped with advanced tools such as PCR machines, high-speed centrifuges, and bioinformatics systems. The facilities allow practical sessions in molecular biology, microbiology, and bioprocessing hence, students are ready to face the industry challenges.

The University has been conducting trials of Covaxin being the only institution in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh to be involved in such a trial, which reflects its approach to effective research.

Enhancing Employability through Specialized training in GMP, GLP & IPR

Preparing students for the biotechnology industry is one of the University's major priorities. The curriculum supported the National Education Policy (NEP) through blended applications of hands-on projects, internships, and industrial alignments under CSRD. Partnerships with biotechnology firms and research establishments provide exposure to on-the-ground collaborative projects and guest lectures.

Specialized training in Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Good Laboratory Practices (GLP), and Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) enhances employability. The University is involved in interdisciplinary research, entrepreneurial thinking, and incubation facilities, ensuring graduates are prepared to address issues in the industry and advance innovation in the biotech industry.

The biotechnology programs at People University are interdisciplinary in a unique way and feature newer disciplines, such as, genomics, bioinformatics, and biosafety. CSRD's coursework focuses on practical research experiences in the early years, and the courses include students' involvement in ongoing research projects and industry-focused summer training.

Soft skills training and entrepreneurship support further equip students to succeed as researchers, industry professionals, or startup founders in the national and global biotech ecosystem.

People's University is involved in interdisciplinary research, entrepreneurial thinking, and incubation facilities, ensuring graduates are prepared to address issues and advance innovation in the biotech industry

Innovative Infrastructure

The infrastructure at People's University has the goal of stimulating scientific curiosity and applicable knowledge. CSRD has a variety of modern laboratories for molecular biology, cell culture, and bioinformatics. Each laboratory has the necessary instruments, including UV-Vis spectrophotometers, laminar airflow cabinets, fluorescence microscopes, etc.

A centralized instrumentation facility supports investigators working across disciplines. The digital library provides access to scientific journals from around the globe.

Innovative classrooms with high-speed connections promote collaborative learning alongside incubation spaces that foster partnerships with industry, and help in developing products. Through regular workshops and internships, the university ensures students gain practical industry exposure, enhancing their employability in biotechnology industry.

Faculty Excellence & Mentorship

People’s University focuses on the quality of faculty to provide valuable education. CSRD has hired qualified faculty with academic and research experience, most of whom have a well-respected national and international background.

The university stays ahead of biotech advancements by actively participating in continuous professional development through workshops, conferences, and faculty development programs. Besides academics, students are mentored in the preparation of research and career plans, and a culture of excellence and accountability is developed.

The university recognises financial barriers and offers merit and need-based scholarships to support deserving students. CSRD provides targeted scholarships for academic excellence and research aptitude while guiding students toward external fellowships such as INSPIRE (DST) and CSIR-NET.

Special provisions for underrepresented and economically weaker sections promote inclusivity, ensuring access to world-class biotechnology education and empowering students to achieve their potential.

CSRD organizes hands-on workshops in molecular cloning, PCR, and bioinformatics alongside seminars on genomics, synthetic biology, biorisk management, and IPR. Industry and research partnerships help students to be informed about current trends by providing global experts on campus.

Technical and leadership skills are maintained with GLP and GMP training, innovation challenges, and hackathons, which prepare students to be biotech professionals.

People's University aligns its pedagogy with industry needs through outcome-based education and regular curriculum updates informed by industry feedback. Active exposure comes from industry-sponsored projects, internships, and MoUs with biotech firms.

Training bio instrumentation and quality control systems follow industry practice, graduates are employment-ready and prepared to meet the demands of the biotechnology industry.

Future Roadmap & Innovations

Looking ahead, CSRD aims to evolve into a national hub for biotechnology education by fostering interdisciplinary research, integrating AI and data science, and promoting international collaborations. Virtual labs, AI-aided education, and optimized biotech startup incubation are part of the plan.

More advanced research and faculty upskilling, as well as international exchange programs, will also increase the quality of research and teaching, which will help students be prepared to meet challenges in the global biotech environment.