SVKM's NMIMS School of Pharmacy & Technology Management (SPPSPTM) and Merck India have launched the NMIMS SPPSPTM–Merck CATALYST Program, a first-of-its-kind initiative at NMIMS aimed at preparing students for the rapidly evolving pharmaceutical and healthcare landscape.

The 12-week certification program is designed to provide students with industry-relevant knowledge through intensive modules across multiple scientific disciplines. 

Conceived as a long-term collaboration, NMIMS and Merck India intend to conduct several editions of the CATALYST Program each year, with participants receiving a certification upon successful completion.

The program complements classroom learning with practical industry exposure, helping students become familiar with global pharmaceutical practices and the competencies expected in today’s workplace. 

Leveraging Merck’s expertise in Global Capability Centres (GCCs), which support critical global pharmaceutical functions, the initiative will introduce students to internationally aligned processes and help them develop the technical, regulatory, and professional skills required for global careers.

Prof. Jagadish Audipudy, Director, PharmTech Management, SPPSPTM, SVKM’s NMIMS, said, “At NMIMS SPPSPTM, we believe meaningful collaboration with industry is essential to ensuring education remains relevant in a rapidly changing healthcare environment.”

“The CATALYST Program gives our students the opportunity to learn directly from industry experts, gain exposure to global best practices, and apply their academic knowledge in practical settings. We are confident this initiative will help them build the capabilities needed for successful careers in the pharmaceutical industry,” added Audipudy.

Suneela Thatte, Vice President, Merck Healthcare R&D India, said, “Healthcare innovation becomes stronger when academia and industry work together. Investing in scientific talent is not optional—it is the foundation for the future we want to create. Since its inception, the CATALYST Program has been successfully completed with two academic partners.”

“Our collaboration with NMIMS SPPSPTM builds on that momentum by introducing students to contemporary pharmaceutical R&D practices and the evolving needs of Global Capability Centres. By investing early in capability development and creating meaningful industry exposure, we can help shape a workforce that is skilled, confident, and ready to lead the future of healthcare,” added Thatte.