Dr Jitendra Kumar, Former MD, BIRAC, joins IISER Mohali as Professor of Practice

The Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Mohali has announced the appointment of Prof. (Dr) Jitendra Kumar as Professor of Practice, effective from August 3, 2026.

Dr Kumar is a distinguished biotechnology leader with more than two decades of experience in research, innovation, technology commercialization, entrepreneurship, and science policy.

Before joining IISER Mohali, he served as the Managing Director (MD) of the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) under the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India, where he played a pivotal role in strengthening India's biotechnology innovation ecosystem. During his tenure, he led initiatives focused on policy formulation, technology commercialisation, funding mechanisms, and mentoring biotechnology start-ups, significantly contributing to the growth of the country's innovation landscape.

Previous to joining BIRAC he has served as the Managing Director of Bangalore Bioinnovation Centre, a joint initiative of the Department of Biotechnology Government of India and Department of IT, BT and S&T, Government of Karnataka, where he was involved in building a vibrant Biotech Innovation and start up ecosystem.  

Dr Kumar earned his Ph.D. in Biotechnology from the Institute of Microbial Technology (IMTECH), Chandigarh, affiliated with Jawaharlal Nehru University. He subsequently pursued postdoctoral research at the University of Illinois at Chicago and The Ohio State University, USA. In addition, he holds an MBA in Technology Entrepreneurship and Commercialization from The Ohio State University, reflecting his strong academic foundation in both science and innovation management. He moved to India in 2009 as Vice President of IKP Knowledge Park, Hyderabad, where he contributed significantly to the evolving landscape of startups and Innovation ecosystem.

Over the course of his distinguished career, Dr Kumar has made substantial contributions to biotechnology innovation, translational research, technology management, incubation, and entrepreneurship. He has been instrumental in establishing innovation ecosystems, mentoring numerous biotechnology start-ups, formulating national and state-level biotechnology and start-up policies, and leading several high-impact research and innovation programmes. His contributions are reflected in an impressive portfolio of scientific publications, patents, policy initiatives, and numerous national and international recognitions.

As Professor of Practice, Dr Kumar will work closely with faculty members, researchers, students, and innovators to promote interdisciplinary research, foster innovation and entrepreneurship, strengthen industry-academia collaborations, and facilitate the translation of scientific discoveries into societal and industrial impact. His appointment is expected to further enhance IISER Mohali's efforts in advancing translational research, technology development, and innovation-driven education.