By: IPP Bureau
Last updated : July 30, 2026 5:17 pm
During the two-month residential program, scholars will work on research spanning artificial intelligence, machine learning, drug discovery, healthcare, cheminformatics, genomics, and related fields
Amgen has launched the first Amgen Scholars Program in India at the International Institute of Information Technology Hyderabad (IIIT Hyderabad), bringing its globally recognized undergraduate summer research initiative to the country for the first time.
Supported through a two-year commitment until summer 2027, the program aims to nurture future scientific talent and strengthen interdisciplinary research in life sciences and artificial intelligence.
The inaugural cohort comprises 10 undergraduate students from India, Vietnam, Qatar, and Dubai, representing universities across Asia.
During the two-month residential program, scholars will work with IIIT Hyderabad faculty on research spanning artificial intelligence, machine learning, drug discovery, healthcare, cheminformatics, genomics, and related fields.
The participants will also attend seminars, networking events, and the regional Amgen Scholars Symposium in Tokyo in August 2026 before presenting their research through scientific poster presentations.
Naveen Gullapalli, Managing Director, Amgen India, said, "Scientific breakthroughs begin with curious minds and meaningful opportunities to learn. We are proud to bring the Amgen Scholars Program to India. We hope to inspire talented students to pursue research careers while helping build the interdisciplinary skills needed to strengthen India's scientific ecosystem."
Deva Priyakumar, Professor & Dean (R&D), IIIT Hyderabad, said, "We are delighted to serve as the host institution for the first Amgen Scholars Program in India. The program aligns well with our research-led approach to education and provides undergraduate students with an exceptional opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research in AI for healthcare and drug discovery while learning from leading faculty."
Sandeep Shukla, Professor & Director, IIIT Hyderabad, added, "AI is transforming every stage of biotech research, from understanding disease biology to discovering new medicines. This program gives students an opportunity to work on real scientific problems while developing the interdisciplinary research skills needed to address tomorrow's complex healthcare challenges."
The Amgen Scholars Program is a flagship initiative of the Amgen Foundation that provides undergraduate students with hands-on summer research opportunities at leading academic institutions worldwide.
More than 6,000 students from over 1,000 colleges and universities have participated in the program globally, with thousands of alumni pursuing advanced degrees and careers across academia, biotechnology, and healthcare in more than 40 countries.