As biotechnology moves increasingly from the laboratory into everyday life, transforming healthcare, diagnostics, pharmaceuticals, and sustainability, the need to understand its possibilities and implications has never been greater.
Bringing together some of the country’s leading voices in science, research, healthcare, and industry, The Hindu and the Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Chennai will present the Biotech Conclave 2026 in Chennai on Friday (September 11, 2026).
The one-day conclave will be inaugurated by CII-president designate Dr. Suchitra Ella, the co-founder and MD of Bharat Biotech, who will deliver the inaugural address, and presided over by G. Viswanathan, founder and chancellor, VIT.
Higher secondary students, undergraduates, researchers, and biotechnology aspirants will have an opportunity to engage with experts and gain insights into emerging technologies, research pathways, careers, and the challenges confronting the sector.
The programme brings together a diverse group of eminent scientists, researchers, healthcare leaders and policymakers, including Professor K. VijayRaghavan, Dr. Vasan Sambandamurthy, Dr. Vinod Scaria, Dr. Ganapathy, Dr. Maneesh Paul, Dr. Kalpana Gowrishankar, Mayur Abhaya, and Ajay Mahipal, among others.
The sessions will examine the role of technology in accelerating biotechnology research, the possibilities offered by gene editing and precision medicine, India’s emergence as a global biopharma hub, the country’s research and innovation ecosystem, and the funding landscape for biotechnology research.
“Biotechnology represents one of the most consequential frontiers of education and research, with the power to improve lives and address some of society’s most urgent challenges. Through this conclave, VIT Chennai aims to encourage students to see biotechnology not only as a field of study, but as a pathway to innovation, enterprise, and meaningful service to humanity,” G. V. Selvam, vice-president, VIT, said.
“For The Hindu, this conclave is an opportunity to bring meaningful, accessible and forward-looking conversations on science to young audiences. By convening students, researchers, experts and industry voices on one platform, we hope to deepen public engagement with biotechnology and inspire informed curiosity about the field’s role in India’s future,” Sundar Kondur, chief revenue officer, The Hindu Group, said.
To watch the event, live scan the QR code or visit https://newsth.live/VITBTCLS
Published – September 09, 2026 06:10 am IST
