The School of Bio-sciences and technology (SBST) attached to the VIT University here has taken the lead to tie up with a group of 11 bio-tech companies based in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, to promote active research and training activities among the students and faculties in a big way.
In a function held at the university on Thursday, the MoUs were signed between the university and the industry representatives. “This is for the first time such an initiative has been taken by a private university in the country,” noted Dr C Ramalingam, dean of the SBST adding “We are hoping to tie up with around 100 companies by the end of this year.”
VIT chancellor G Viswanathan said,” This is a win-win situation for the students as well as the industries to understand the needs and practical difficulties in research applications by promoting a fruitful partnership.” Under the agreement, VIT would be sharing the laboratory facilities with the companies while the companies would help students to focus on quality research needed by the industry. “I expect the research output would be crucial for the country, which is poised to take the lead in the field of biotechnology,” he said further.
Under the MoU, a VIT-Industry PhD programme is also being offered, enabling employees of the companies to get their PhD degree as external part time students. The programme will act as an incubating launch pad to facilitate students to start new companies with the support of the companies.
The companies which signed the MoU are Piramal Life Sciences, Mumbai, Bigtec, Bangalore, Life Cell International Limited, Chennai, Genotypes Private Limited, Bangalore, La Chandra, Ahmedabad, Bioklone Private Limited, Chennai, Pall Life Sciences, Bangalore, Mahyco Seeds, Maharashtra, Biozeen, Bangalore, Refsyn Biotech, Chennai and MSI Biotech, Vaniyambadi.
Mayur Abhaya, CEO and Managing director of Life Cell International Limited, Chennai said, “We are planning to train the students of VIT and orient them towards stem cell research,” he said.
VIT has also introduced two elective subjects on ‘Stem cell technology’ and ‘Tissue culture,’ which the third year students can pursue from this year.