Five-Day FDP on AI-Driven Biotechnology: Transforming Research, Teaching and Innovation

The Department of Biotechnology, Chandigarh College of Technology (CCT), CGC Landran, successfully organized a five-day Faculty Development Programme (FDP) on "AI-Driven Biotechnology: Transforming Research, Teaching and Innovation" from 6–10 July 2026, bringing together leading academicians, industry experts, scientists, and AI professionals to explore the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence in biotechnology and higher education.

The inaugural session featured inspiring addresses by Dr. Palki Sahib Kaur (Director Principal, CCT), Dr. Balwinder Singh (Joint Director & Head, ACS Division, C-DAC Mohali), and Dr. Mamta Bhardwaj (COO, STPI CoE-NEURON, Mohali), emphasizing innovation, industry-academia collaboration, and AI-enabled education.

The five day FDP delivered a rich blend of expert talks and hands-on learning through sessions by Dr. Aditya Bakshi, Assistant Professor, School of Technology Management & Engineering, NMIMS Chandigarh, on Prompt Engineering and AI Tools; Mr. Mohd Nisar, Centre Manager and Workforce Development Leader at Anudip Foundation on AI fundamentals, workplace productivity, and Generative AI; Mr. Devashish, Founder of Codroid Hub on AI-driven biotechnology; Dr. Jagriti, Founder of Eternal RESTEM on Applied Data Science in Biotechnology: Tools, Techniques & Case Studies; Dr. Tulika Mehta, Kaizen Systems, Chandigarh on Generative AI applications; Dr. Vandana Awasthi, Scientist and Head (QA), Punjab Biotechnology Incubator, Mohali on Food Safety and Regulations; Dr. Monika Sharma, Associate Professor, Biological Systems Engineering, Plaksha University on AI in biotechnology education and research, Dr. Aanshi, Assistant Professor, Amity University, Mohali on AI in Designer Drug Development, and Dr. Maitreyee Dutta, Head of Department, Information Management and Emerging Engineering, NITTTR Chandigarh on AI tools for teaching, learning, and research. Participants also engaged in project-based activities, AI problem-solving sessions coordinated by Dr. Inderjot and Dr. Priyanka, and concluded with an industrial visit to Punjab Biotechnology Incubator (PBTI), Mohali, providing valuable exposure to research, innovation, and entrepreneurship. The FDP also included an engaging meditation and mindfulness session by Ms. Jasmine Jazz, Founder, The Cosmic River, promoting mental wellness, mindfulness, and stress management.

The programme concluded with a valedictory ceremony and vote of thanks by Dr. Gurpreet Kaur, Head, Department of Biotechnology, celebrating the successful completion of an enriching FDP that strengthened participants' AI competencies, fostered interdisciplinary collaboration, and reinforced CCT's commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and future-ready education.