The CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine through its Technology Business Incubator (TBI) and BioNEST Bioincubation Centre today 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 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, said the programmes like Yuva Kaushal Karyashala are essential for bridging the long-standing gap between theoretical classroom learning and practical laboratory exposure. He emphasised that exposure to high-end scientific infrastructure at an early stage can significantly shape the research mindset of students.

Speaking during the session, Prof Sheetal Ambardar, Professor at the School of Biotechnology, University of Jammu, noted that direct exposure to industrial and laboratory environments helps students understand how scientific concepts are translated into real-world applications. 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.

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. 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. The inaugural session concluded with a formal vote of thanks presented Dr Vidushi Abrol, Business Manager, Technology Business Incubator.