Techno India University set the stage for an inspiring exchange of ideas from April 8 to 10, 2026, as it hosted the three-day International Symposium on “Medical Biotechnology and Pharmacovigilance: Academia–Industry Connect.” Organized by the Department of Biotechnology in collaboration with the Departments of Pharmacy, Microbiology, and Agricultural Sciences, the event brought together a vibrant mix of academicians, industry leaders, and aspiring students.
Bringing together an exceptional lineup of experts from both academia and industry, the symposium featured distinguished speakers such as Prof. Hirak K. Patra, Professor of Precision Nanosystems & Therapeutics and UCL/MRC Fellow; Banibrata Bandyopadhyay, Deputy General Manager at Cognizant; Dr. Subhalakshmi Ghosh, Founder and Director of Subhami Biopharma; Dr. Diganta Dey, Quality Manager at Ashok Laboratory; Dr. Debdutta Bandyopadhyay, Chief Training Officer at ATGC Diagnostics and former Senior General Manager at Zydus; and Ujjal Dutta, Quality Assurance Manager (Level 6) at ITC. Together, they transformed the symposium into a dynamic platform where knowledge met real-world application, offering valuable insights into the ever-evolving landscape of life sciences and healthcare.
The symposium created a vibrant platform for knowledge exchange in the rapidly evolving field of life sciences. With pharmacovigilance – focused on drug safety and patient well-being – taking center stage, the discussions highlighted its growing importance in ensuring that medicines remain safe and effective for public use. Held just after World Health Day, the timing added deeper relevance, reinforcing the importance of awareness, responsibility, and innovation in healthcare.
Day 1: Setting the Vision
The symposium commenced on April 8, 2026,with a ceremonial lamp lighting, marking the beginning of an insightful and purpose-driven academic journey. The session opened with a welcome address by Dr. Saurav Bhattacharya, Head of the Department of Biotechnology, who highlighted the importance of such platforms in aligning academic learning with industry expectations.
This was followed by an inspiring address by Prof. Manoshi RoyChowdhury, Co-Chairperson of Techno India Group, who emphasized the need for holistic, future-ready education and encouraged students to think beyond conventional paths.
Dr. Debalina Mukherjee, the convener of the symposium, delivered the theme address, sharing her vision of bridging the gap between academia and the pharmaceutical industry through practical exposure and industry-oriented learning. The inaugural session was further enriched by the address of Dr. Saikat Maitra, Vice Chancellor, who spoke about the growing importance of interdisciplinary learning in shaping the future of healthcare professionals. The session concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Sujoy Biswas, Registrar of the University.
The highlight of the day was the keynote address by Prof. Dr. Hirak K. Patra from University College London on “From Atoms to Outcomes – Bridging the Nano Gap in Clinical Translation,” offering deep insights into how nanotechnology is transforming modern clinical applications.
Day 2: Exploring Industry Insights and Innovation
The second day, April 9, began with participant registrations followed by an engaging invited talk by Banibrata Bandyopadhyay from Cognizant on “Pharmacovigilance: Ensuring Patient Safety.” His session provided practical insights into industry practices, regulatory frameworks, and career opportunities in drug safety.
Post-lunch sessions continued the momentum with Dr. Subhalakshmi Ghosh, who shared her entrepreneurial journey through “Blueprint to Build: Turning Ideas into Venture,” inspiring students to explore innovation and startup ecosystems. This was followed by Dr. Diganta Dey’s talk on “Biotechnology in Modern Diagnostics,” where he discussed emerging technologies and the expanding career landscape in diagnostics.
The day also witnessed creative student engagement through an academic drama centered on pharmacovigilance, followed by a lively cultural event, adding energy and expression to the academic environment.
Day 3: From Research to Real-World Impact
The final day, April 10, focused on bridging research with real-world applications. The sessions began with an introduction, followed by an insightful talk by Dr. Debdutta Bandyopadhyay on “From Bench to Bedside: An Insight of Pharma R&D,” where he explained the journey of drug development from laboratory research to clinical practice.
This was followed by Ujjal Dutta from ITC, who spoke on “Synergy between Academia and Industry,” emphasizing the importance of collaboration in building a future-ready workforce.
The symposium concluded on an engaging note with poster presentations and competitions, a quiz on drug development and pharmacovigilance, and a prize distribution ceremony recognizing student excellence. A cultural programme by TIU students added a vibrant closing touch before the event concluded with the National Anthem.
A Step Towards Future Collaboration
The symposium not only enriched students with knowledge but also opened doors to potential collaborations, internships, and career opportunities. Discussions around future campus recruitment and industry partnerships created a sense of optimism and opportunity among students.
As the curtains fell on this impactful three-day journey, one thing became clear – initiatives like these are not just academic events, but stepping stones that shape careers, build confidence, and strengthen the bridge between academia and industry in the ever-evolving world of healthcare and biotechnology.