JAMMU: The CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine through its Technology Business Incubator (TBI) and BioNEST Bioincubation Centre on Saturday inaugurated "Yuva Kaushal Karyashala 4.0", a 10-day hands-on training programme in Biological Sciences aimed at equipping students with practical scientific skills, exposure to industrial biotechnology infrastructure and orientation towards innovation-driven entrepreneurship.
The programme, launched at the institute's Jammu campus, has brought together 31 participants, largely students from the School of Biotechnology, University of Jammu, for advanced practical training in areas including fermentation technology, microbial biotechnology, analytical instrumentation, startup incubation and pilot-scale scientific operations.
The inaugural session also witnessed the formal release of the "Yuva Kaushal Karyashala 4.0" training manual, which outlines the structure and practical modules of the workshop.
Addressing the participants, Dr Zabeer Ahmed, Director, CSIR-IIIM Jammu, described the students as "the future of the nation" and stressed that India's scientific progress would depend heavily on creating a skilled and innovation-oriented youth population.
He said programmes like Yuva Kaushal Karyashala are essential for bridging the long-standing gap between theoretical classroom learning and practical laboratory exposure.
Linking the initiative with the national visions of Viksit Bharat 2047 and Atmanirbhar Bharat, Dr Ahmed said India's biotechnology and research ecosystem requires trained manpower capable of working in real industrial and scientific environments.
He emphasised that exposure to high-end scientific infrastructure at an early stage can significantly shape the research mindset of students.
Highlighting the institute's journey, Dr Ahmed said CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, established in 1941, has evolved into one of the country's leading multidisciplinary research institutions, contributing extensively in pharmaceuticals, natural products, fermentation technology, medicinal plants and biotechnology innovation.
He encouraged the students to make full use of the institute's advanced facilities, including large-scale fermentation systems with capacities extending up to 25,000 litres, and interact closely with scientists, technical experts and innovators working across various disciplines.
He urged students to remain focused on research and assured them that CSIR-IIIM would continue supporting young innovators and startup aspirants.
Speaking during the session, Prof Sheetal Ambardar, Professor at the School of Biotechnology, University of Jammu, appreciated the initiative and said such practical programmes play a crucial role in complementing classroom education.
She noted that direct exposure to industrial and laboratory environments helps students understand how scientific concepts are translated into real-world applications.
She said the workshop would strengthen the scientific temperament of participants by enabling them to observe and engage with advanced research processes and biotechnology systems that are generally inaccessible in conventional academic settings.
Earlier delivering the welcome address, Dr Saurabh Saran, Scientist and Head of BioNEST Bioincubation Centre at CSIR-IIIM Jammu, said the workshop has been specially designed to provide intensive practical exposure in fermentation and microbial biotechnology. He informed the participants that the institute offers integrated access to sophisticated instrumentation and pilot-scale fermentation systems of up to 5,000 litres under one roof, a facility available at very few institutions in the country.
Dr Saran further said that besides laboratory-based training, the programme includes exposure visits to experimental farms developed under the Aroma Mission initiative, allowing participants to understand the link between scientific research, agriculture and industrial applications.
He added that sessions on technology entrepreneurship and startup incubation have also been integrated into the programme to encourage students to think beyond conventional employment avenues. According to him, participants with innovative biotechnology concepts would receive guidance on converting their ideas into viable startups and commercially sustainable ventures.
Dr Asha Chaubey, Principal Scientist at CSIR-IIIM Jammu, said the initiative forms part of a broader national effort to build a pool of trained scientific manpower for India's rapidly expanding biotechnology sector. She encouraged students to take advantage of the institute's incubation ecosystem and explore pathways for transforming research concepts into market-ready products and entrepreneurial enterprises.
Addressing the participants, Dr Suphla B Gupta, Sr. Principal Scientist and Nodal Scientist Aroma Mission, urged students to actively engage with scientists, mentors and technical experts during the workshop. She particularly highlighted the importance of learning advanced analytical techniques using sophisticated instruments such as HPTLC and LCMS systems.
She said the workshop would help participants move beyond textbook-based learning and develop confidence in practical experimentation, project formulation and scientific problem-solving.
The inaugural session concluded with a formal vote of thanks presented by Dr Vidushi Abrol, Business Manager, Technology Business Incubator.