UCCI Pharm-Med Academic Alliance Open House: A Platform to Empower Local Pharma Talent through Industry–Academic Collaboration

Udaipur: The Udaipur Chamber of Commerce & Industry (UCCI) recently organized the Pharmaceutical–Medical Equipment–Academic Alliance Open House, bringing together key stakeholders from the pharmaceutical industry and pharmacy education institutions. Representatives from 15 pharmacy colleges and 20 pharma companies actively participated in the program, aimed at strengthening local pharma talent.
The event began with a welcome address by UCCI Vice President Mahendra Singh Khimesra, who highlighted UCCI’s initiatives, the need for industry–academic collaboration, and emphasized making youth employment-ready through such alliances.
The program overview and introduction were presented by Rahul Jain, Secretary of the Pharma-Med Sub-Committee. Dr. Anil Vyas, a sub-committee member, used a PowerPoint presentation to outline the various challenges facing the pharma industry.
Vinod Kumat, Sub-Committee Chairman and former UCCI President, emphasized the importance of an industry–academic conclave, sharing insights on practical challenges and solutions while stressing the need for continuous dialogue between industry and educational institutions.
Prof. Indrajeet Singh Singhvi, Provost of Pacific Medical University, representing the academic perspective, pointed out that students are currently not fully prepared to meet industry standards. He advocated a win-win model and suggested initiatives including addressing faculty shortages, updating old teaching methods, establishing research and cultural institutions with government support, providing student placement and career guidance, industry-led training for third- and fourth-year students, and organizing regular dialogue sessions with regulatory authorities like the Drug Controller at UCCI.
Dr. Kamal Singh Rathore, HOD at B.N. College of Pharmacy, highlighted the critical need for an Industry–Academic Board. He recommended updating curricula, implementing quality tools like Six Sigma/Kaizen, industry visits for faculty and students, mentorship by industry experts, innovation and joint research initiatives, and conducting SWOT analyses to better prepare students for the workforce.
The meeting noted that the Udaipur pharma industry and academic institutions collectively represent investments exceeding ₹900 crore in the MSME sector, with potential for further growth as major pharma companies plan to establish a presence in Udaipur, enhancing employment and industrial activity.
The key objectives of the dialogue were to build an employment-focused ecosystem for pharmacy students, as Udaipur produces over 700 graduates, postgraduates, and PhDs annually, making skill development aligned with industry needs essential.
Key outcomes/decisions of the meeting:
•    Establish effective communication channels between industry and academia.
•    Initiate industrial exposure visits for students.
•    Share industry expectations with academic institutions.
•    Align pharmacy curricula with current and future industry needs.
•    Promote local employment opportunities for youth.
UCCI expressed confidence that this initiative would foster stronger collaboration between pharma education and industry in Udaipur, enhancing student employability and regional industrial growth. Vinod Kumat assured that monthly industry–academic interaction meetings would continue to sustain the momentum.
During the open house, professors, deans, principals, lecturers, and students actively shared insights on challenges and expectations from both academia and industry. Sub-committee members Dr. Anil Kumar Vyas, Achal Agrawal, Suresh Chandra Jain, Pankaj Mandawat, and Prakash Chandra Bolia also contributed their suggestions.
The event saw over 115 participants, including representatives from 15 pharmacy/medical colleges and 22 pharma companies. The program concluded with a vote of thanks by Rahul Jain, Secretary of the Pharma–Med Sub-Committee.