Biotech students must step out of comfort zones, embrace multiple roles: Suchitra Ella

Biotechnology students should step outside their campuses, gain exposure to industry and research laboratories, and develop skills beyond their academic curriculum to prepare themselves for the rapidly evolving life sciences sector, said Suchitra Ella, co-founder and managing director of Bharat Biotech, and CII president-designate.

Interacting with students at the Biotech Conclave 2026 , presented by VIT Chennai in association with The Hindu , Dr. Ella said students should seek opportunities to work in laboratories and institutions outside their immediate academic environment and not be restricted by their chosen course or specialisation.

Answering Iniya Senthil’s question on whether being a good scientist was enough, Dr. Ella said biotechnology entrepreneurs needed to understand business, commercial operations, marketing, distribution, supply chains, policy and government relations. She said an entrepreneur could not be constrained by their academic qualification and would have to wear “multiple hats” as the organisation grew.