Most people think patents are something only senior scientists or big companies work on. But at Shoolini University, biotech students are proving that innovation doesn’t have to wait. Here, students in BTech Biotechnology, BSc (Hons) Biotechnology, and even those enrolled in the B Tech Summit Research Program are filing patents before they even finish their degrees.
It’s not just a claim — Shoolini is India’s 3rd highest patent filer among academic institutions and the No. 1 in Himachal Pradesh. Shoolini is also ranked No.1 in citations per paper by QS World University Asia Rankings. The university has filed over 1,700 patents, many of them by undergraduate students. And these aren’t just experimental ideas written in notebooks — several have already been granted and are making a real difference in fields like health, agriculture, and environmental science.
Why Patents Matter for Biotech Students
For a young researcher, a patent is more than just a legal document. It’s proof that your work is original, useful, and recognised at a national or international level. Filing a patent while still in university means you are already contributing something new to the world — long before you enter the job market or apply for higher studies.
In biotechnology, this can mean creating a new way to diagnose a disease, designing eco-friendly products, or finding better ways to grow crops. For students, it opens doors to research funding, collaborations, and high-value career opportunities. It also builds confidence. Knowing that your work has been recognised at such a level changes the way you see yourself as a scientist.
India’s Growing Biotech Industry
India’s biotech sector is growing at an incredible pace. From $10 billion in 2014 to $165.7 billion in 2024, it’s on track to reach $300 billion by 2030 (Ministry of Science & Technology, 2024). This growth needs more than infrastructure and investment — it needs people who are skilled, creative, and ready to innovate.
This is where the best biotech colleges in India, like Shoolini University, play a key role. They’re not only teaching students the theory but also giving them the tools and platforms to apply their knowledge in the real world. And patent filing is one of the most powerful ways to do that.
Research from the First Semester
Most universities introduce research projects only in the final year. Shoolini does it differently. Through the Summit Research Program (SRP), selected students start research from day one. They get to work alongside PhD scholars and professors, ask challenging questions, and explore their curiosity without the fear of making mistakes.
This early start is a big reason why undergraduate research in India is getting attention internationally. Shoolini students co-author research papers, present at global conferences, and develop prototypes that turn into patents.
Real Innovations from Shoolini Students
Here are some examples of patents and projects that have come out of Shoolini’s biotechnology labs:
- Biodegradable, edible, antioxidant container — Food packaging that not only reduces plastic waste but also preserves food better.
- Quick antimicrobial detection — A process that tests for antimicrobial activity in just two hours.
- Anti-glioblastoma essential oil analysis — Studying natural oils for cancer treatment potential.
- Seed resilience photocatalyst — Improves seed germination and cleans wastewater at the same time.
- BTech innovator Akarsh Sharma — Filed 21 patents, including tools for everyday use and eco-friendly tech solutions.
Patents like these cover a wide range — from nanotechnology and biopesticides to advanced drug delivery systems. The variety shows how innovation in Indian universities is not limited to one area.
Global Exposure Changes Everything
Over the years, Shoolini students have studied or interned at some of the world’s best universities — University of Oxford, University of Tokyo, Johns Hopkins, University of Glasgow, UC San Diego, and more. These aren’t just short visits. Many students work on real research projects during their time abroad, gaining skills and experiences they bring back to India.
With over 250 international collaborations, Shoolini creates pathways for student exchanges, joint research, and even dual degrees. For many students, it’s a life-changing opportunity.
Career Scope for Biotech Students
Biotechnology is a versatile field. Graduates can work in pharmaceuticals, agriculture, food technology, environmental science, and healthcare. At Shoolini, the Mission 130 initiative ensures that 100% of students get placements, with 30% placed in top organisations.
Companies like Biocon, Citrix, Abbott, Cipla, Novozymes, Dr Reddy’s, Serum Institute, and Panacea Biotec regularly hire Shoolini graduates. Students also find opportunities in government research labs, start-ups, and global institutions.
For those who want to continue their studies, Shoolini’s research portfolio and patents help them stand out in competitive applications for MSc, MTech, and PhD programs worldwide.
Support at Every Stage
Filing a patent can be complex, especially for students new to the process. At Shoolini, an in-house Intellectual Property (IP) cell guides students from idea to filing. This includes legal documentation, technical writing, and connecting with experts for validation.
The university also provides merit-based scholarships — some covering up to 90% of tuition fees. Research fellowships from agencies like DST, SERB, DBT, and BIRAC give students additional funding for their projects.
World-Class Facilities and Faculty
Shoolini’s 104+ research labs and 11 Centres of Excellence provide everything students need to explore their ideas. Facilities like the E-Yuva Centre, Cancer Research Centre, and Bio-Innovation Centre give them access to advanced equipment and resources.
Faculty members come from leading institutions like Oxford, IISc, NIH, IITs, and IIMs. They bring both expertise and mentorship, encouraging students to take risks and think creatively.
Programs That Lead to Innovation
Shoolini offers a range of biotechnology programs designed for different levels of interest and expertise:
- BSc (Hons) Biotechnology — Strong foundation with research opportunities.
- BTech Biotechnology — Combines engineering and biology for industry-ready skills.
- B Tech Summit Research Program — For students aiming for top research careers.
- MSc Biotechnology — Advanced study with a focus on specialisation.
- MTech Biotechnology — For those targeting industry innovation and product development.
- PhD Biotechnology — Independent research leading to expertise in chosen areas.
In each program, biotech students are encouraged to work on student research projects and explore patent filing in India for students.
Why It Matters for India’s Future
When universities create an environment where students can innovate, file patents, and connect with global research, they’re not just producing graduates — they’re shaping leaders.
As India pushes toward its $300 billion biotech target, institutions like Shoolini are preparing a new generation of scientists who are confident, skilled, and globally connected. And the fact that so many of them are filing patents before graduation is proof that the future is already here.
