Institute Of Advanced Research: Industry Oriented Learning Infrastructure With A Focus On Entrepreneurship

P C Vyas
P C Vyas, Director, Institute Of Advanced Research
According to the reports by the Indian government’s Department of Biotechnology, the number of biotech start-ups will reach 10000 by the end of 2024-25 in the country. A wave of developments has taken place in this sector, especially after the outbreak of the pandemic. Technology innovations relating to Industry 4.0 implementation have been game changers for the biotechnology industry and we have witnessed the emergence of new processes that enhance overall efficiency and outcome. However, when it comes to biotech education, the circumstances are somewhat conflicting. Organizations are claiming that a major part of academic education is not relevant to industry requirements. What needs to be done is taught to candidates on the job which is a problem for the industry.

Institute of Advanced Research (IAR), Gujarat understood these ongoing challenges in this industry and developed an education 4.0 infrastructure. It stays relevant to the industry requirements and standards by collaborating with industry experts and taking inputs about the changing trends and technologies. The primary idea of the institution is to bridge the gap between academics and industry and create graduates who are ready with the required skills.

Starting as a research institute in the field of biotechnology in 2006, IAR was inaugurated by the then President of India, Late Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam. With research at its core, IAR established a strong curriculum for doctoral research and as time went by, the institution diversified into undergraduate and post-graduate courses.

“Our courses are always relevant to the ongoing industry requirements. The institution is associated with various industry experts from reputed organizations who provide crucial input during the creation of the study curriculum. We keep reviewing our courses and keep adding the latest developments taking place in this sector. At the same time, if we feel that any technology or process has become outdated, we remove it from the syllabus”, mentioned Brig P C Vyas, Director, Institute of Advanced Research.

Aligned With the Industry Requirements

Being aligned with the industry requirements is the primary motive for IAR and it leaves no stone unturned in keeping up with it. At the time of preparation of curriculums, the college involves many experts from the industries who are able to provide crucial insights regarding the latest requirements in the industry. It gives the institution the added advantage of having people from the industry to guide the students. IAR aims to impart all the relevant knowledge and training to its students so that when they graduate, they are industry ready with desired professional skillsets.

The Institute of Advanced Research places great emphasis on the education and training of doctoral students. Engaging in research for a PhD opens doors to exciting career opportunities both in India and internationally. PhD students are integral to IAR’s mission of advancing knowledge to tackle both national and global challenges. The PhD program is designed to provide research training that nurtures the development of independent research skills and professional competencies. These skills include the ability to identify and investigate research problems, develop suitable conceptual and methodological approaches, and connect their research to a broader context within their field of study. Every PhD student is required to produce a substantial thesis that critically analyzes their research and relevant published studies in their subject area.

"Focus on start-up incubation and growth has been one of the primary objectives for the Institute of Advanced Research"

Aiming at Entrepreneurship Excellence

Focus on start-up incubation and growth has been one of the primary objectives of the Institute of Advanced Research. The institution believes that the true development of the nation lies in supporting new ideas. It has established its own start-up incubator within the institution where new ideas are supported and nourished. IAR centre for Incubation (ICI) nurtures and supports the young generation for entrepreneurship and facilitates government initiatives of Student Startup and Innovation Policy (SSIP), Atal Innovation Mission, Startup India, Startup Gujarat, Skill India and Make in India”, mentioned Brig P C Vyas.

IAR believes that supporting new ideas in the sector of science and technology will not only help new entrepreneurs gain a place in the world but also add significant value to the overall business ecosystem. It has become one of the few reputed institutions in the country which hand hold ideas to Proof of Concept (PoC) stage and subsequent growth. It also motivates new-age entrepreneurs to showcase their ideas in front of the world and receive grants and investments for the development of products and solutions.

State of the Art Infrastructure

IAR has the most advanced biotechnology education infrastructure available. The institution is equipped with the state-of-the-art equipments and instruments required for research. It has its very own laser scanning machinery, flow cytometer, and supercomputer facility that makes it one of the most unique and advanced institutions in the country. What also makes IAR stand apart is its faculty and the rigorous process of faculty selection. The institution currently has about 60 PhD faculties, many of whom have also conducted post-doctoral research in internationally acclaimed universities. “Institute of Advanced Research (IAR), Gandhinagar strives to develop itself into a University of Innovation via excellence in Education and Research keeping in mind the current and future requirements of the country to match the high standard in sciences, engineering, technology, and humanities. With innovations and best practices in both its curriculum and research, the Institute intends to gain a global reputation”, stated Brig P C Vyas, Director.

The faculty at IAR is a combination of accomplished academicians and experienced industry professionals. In order to maintain quality in the teaching staff, the institution conducts periodical assessment programs and workshops that help them stay abreast with the latest advancements in this sector. On the other hand, the faculty is also motivated to provide the required education to the students so that they become industry-ready by the time their degree ends. “Our teachers have become the source of inspiration for all our students and we make sure that they remain updated with the latest developments”, mentioned Brig P C Vyas, Director.

Looking Ahead

Since its inception in 2006, IAR has gained a significant reputation as one of the premier research institutions in the country. It currently has more than 18 years of research experience and has created more than 100 PhDs who have made the institution proud through global exposure and publishing in reputed journals. The ultimate aim of IAR is to move away from traditional classroom models and provide students with a much smarter and more personalized form of education. This is exactly why it stresses a lot on creating industry-relevant courses and career development workshops for students. “We believe in imparting education with focus on ethics, empathy, endurance and excellence. We are one of the educational institutions in the country that is run by a non-profit foundation named the Puri Foundation. We are committed to providing advanced research and the best quality of educational deliverability”, concluded Brig P C Vyas, Director.

Current Issue

TheHigherEducationReview Tv