Biotechnology is emerging as a key driver of Industry 5.0, the next evolution of industrialisation, with growing opportunities across healthcare, sustainable materials, diagnostics, education, and environmental solutions, experts said at a webinar titled ‘Careers in Biotechnology: What you need to know’.
The session was jointly organised by Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT) Chennai and The Hindu as part of VIT Chennai’s initiative on ‘Biotechnology: Role in Industry 5.0 – Sustainable Future Pathways’, aimed at helping students and early career professionals navigate evolving opportunities in biotechnology.
Setting the context, G. Jayaraman, professor and dean, School of Bio Sciences and Technology, VIT Chennai, spoke about how biotechnology education is being aligned with Industry 5.0. He highlighted the range of opportunities available to students at VIT
Speaking on industry-aligned research careers, P.R. Yashavanth, assistant professor, School of Bio Sciences and Technology, VIT Chennai, emphasised curiosity as the key driver for students entering the field. “Curiosity is what sustains a long-term career in biotechnology. Beyond techniques, students must constantly ask why and how processes work,” Prof. Yashavanth said.
Venkata Krishna Bayineni, senior researcher and lead, Science Education Research at Prayoga Institute of Education Research, Bengaluru, spoke about interdisciplinary research and alternative career pathways in science.
Sharing her entrepreneurial journey, J.N. Nidhya, founder of Spotdot Bioinnovations Private Limited, and alumna of VIT, spoke about her experience setting up a biotechnology startup focused on point-of-care diagnostics. “Moving an idea from the lab to the field requires patience, persistence, and a clear understanding of the problem you are trying to solve,” Ms. Nidhya said
The session concluded with an interactive question-and-answer segment on career pathways and learning resources
The session can be viewed here:
Published – January 26, 2026 02:49 am IST
