Vellore: The School of Bio-Science and Technology (SBST) of the VIT University here is collaborating with over 100 biotech companies for executing joint projects, collaborative R&D publications and product development initiatives involving both its faculty members and the students.
This was decided at a meeting held last week at VIT, in which 11 top bioÂtech companies participated and signed the MoÂUs with VIT.
VIT Chancellor Dr G. ViÂsÂÂwanathan said the MoUs also envisaged facilitating the qualified employees of the partner-companies to pursue Ph.D programmes at the VIT.
“This will help reduce the accretion in the companies because the empÂloyee’s doctoral study woÂuld be tied up wiÂth his or her employmÂent,” he told Deccan Chronicle.
The chancellor said the programme actually benefits both the university and the industry. For instance, qualified emplÂoyees from the industry could be recognised as guides for students at VIT to promote joint research that addressed industry issues in practical sense. The MoUs would also help in holding combined worÂkshops and job placemÂents for students, he said.
Dr Viswanathan said the MoUs would help in starting new ventures with the VIT providing incubation services for not only its own students but also entrepreneurs from outside.
“We have already incubated several such ventures, including a few frÂom Europe,” he added. SBST dean Prof. C. RamaÂlingam said top-notch biotech firms including Piramal Life Sciences (Mumbai), GenÂotypic Private Ltd (BengÂaluru), Life Cell InternÂational Private Ltd (CheÂnnai), signed the MoUs with VIT. “We are aiming to hit a century of MoUs with industries in the coming months,” said the dean.
