Ahmedabad University Brings Contemporary Research and Industry Practices into Undergraduate Education with New Biology Teaching Lab

Modern biotechnology is reshaping healthcare, research, and industry, driving undergraduate education to evolve beyond traditional laboratory instruction. To address this shift, Ahmedabad University established the Concord Biotech Biology Teaching Lab in collaboration with Concord Biotech Limited. The state-of-the-art teaching facility, which brings contemporary laboratory technologies directly into undergraduate classrooms, was inaugurated on August 12, 2026.

The teaching laboratory features modern infrastructure and advanced scientific instruments designed to strengthen practical learning in the life sciences. It is equipped with multimodal fluorescent plate reader, uv/visible spectrophotometer, automated cell counter and PCR machine. Through this facility, students gain hands-on experience with experimental techniques widely used in modern research and industry.

“The new laboratory will expand the facilities available at Ahmedabad University for hands-on life sciences courses. It enhances our ability to train undergraduate students in state-of-the-art experimental techniques desired by the Pharma/Biotech industry. We are grateful to Concord Biotech for supporting this initiative,” said Vivek Tanavde​​​​​​, Associate Professor and Associate Dean, Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Ahmedabad University.

Undergraduate laboratory teaching has long focused on fundamental experimental techniques that provide a strong theoretical baseline. However, these techniques are unable to fully meet the requirements of today’s workforce, where the adoption of new technologies is rapid.

The new teaching laboratory will enable Ahmedabad University to bring commonly used technologies such as protein purification, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) into the undergraduate laboratory. This will give students the opportunity to work with platforms and techniques that they are likely to encounter when they enter the workforce.

Sudhir Vaid, Chairman and Managing Director, Concord Biotech Limited, said, "At Concord Biotech, we believe that the future of life sciences in India will be shaped by the quality of education and research talent we nurture today. Education has always been at the heart of our philosophy. It is the foundation on which scientific innovation, quality manufacturing, and global competitiveness are built. Setting up this state-of-the-art life sciences teaching laboratory at Ahmedabad University is our way of investing directly in that future.”

“We hope this facility will give students hands-on exposure to industry-relevant skills and inspire the next generation of scientists, researchers, and biotech leaders. Concord Biotech remains committed to strengthening the bridge between academia and industry, because a strong, well-trained talent pipeline is essential for India's aspirations of becoming a global hub for life sciences and biopharmaceuticals," Mr Vaid added.

The laboratory will support the Integrated Master of Science in Life Sciences programme, a five-year programme with around 180 students currently enrolled at Ahmedabad University. The five-year structure gives students adequate time to develop and perfect their laboratory skills through dedicated lab courses.

The curriculum includes laboratory courses in biochemistry, microbiology, genetics, cell and molecular biology, and immunology. Students are trained in techniques including protein purification and characterisation, mammalian cell culture, DNA/RNA isolation and PCR, immunoassays as well as the isolation of microbes from complex environments.

The addition of the Concord Biotech Biology Teaching Lab significantly expands the University’s laboratory capacity. Ahmedabad University currently has two teaching laboratories, with additional teaching facilities for microbial culture, plant tissue culture and mammalian cell culture. The new laboratory will enable more students to access high-quality laboratory training while supporting the growing needs of the Life Sciences programme.

The facility also reflects Ahmedabad University’s broader educational philosophy of integrating research with undergraduate learning. Through its interdisciplinary and liberal education approach, the University prepares students to address complex societal challenges while fostering independent thinking, scientific inquiry, and leadership. By connecting classroom learning with contemporary laboratory practice, the Concord Biotech Biology Teaching Lab equips students with the practical capabilities needed for advanced study, research, and careers in the life sciences.