The Indian Institute of Gems & Jewellery (IIGJ) and the India Centre for Lab Grown Diamonds (InCent LGD) at IIT Madras commenced the first batch of the Global Certificate in Lab Grown Diamond Technology, with 23 participants.
Classes began on October 21, 2026, following a virtual inauguration on October 19. The inaugural batch comprises entrepreneurs, manufacturers, representatives of family-owned businesses, corporate professionals, academicians and aspiring professionals from several States.
Programme bridges research and industry
The inaugural session was attended by IIGJ Chief Executive Officer Debasish Biswas and InCent LGD, IIT Madras, Head M.S.R. Rao.
The programme is powered by the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) and sponsored by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India.
Leaders comment
“The collaboration of IIGJ India with the India Centre for Lab Grown Diamonds (InCent-LGD) at IIT Madras marks an important step towards bridging the gap between scientific research, technological advancement and industry requirements in the rapidly evolving lab-grown diamond sector,” IIGJ, Chief Executive Officer, Debasish Biswas, said.
“We need to develop a new generation of skilled professionals, entrepreneurs and industry leaders equipped with contemporary knowledge and practical capabilities,” he said.
90-hour course combines online and campus learning
The 90-hour programme comprises 30 hours of live online instruction by IIGJ, 48 hours of specialised teaching by InCent LGD at IIT Madras and a 12-hour campus immersion at the institute’s LGD Laboratory and Research Centre.
The campus component will provide participants with practical exposure to the technologies and processes covered in the course. The programme will conclude with a certification ceremony at the IIT Madras auditorium.
Faculty drawn from leading institutions
The faculty includes academicians, researchers, scientists and industry experts from IIT Madras and institutions such as XLRI, IRMA, London Business School, IIM Ahmedabad, MDI Gurgaon and HNB Garhwal University.
IIGJ said it would take the initiative to a wider audience through successive batches, expanding participation across geographies and industry segments.
Second batch in January 27
The initiative aims to build a sustained talent development ecosystem for India’s growing lab-grown diamond industry and establish the programme as a learning and certification platform for professionals, businesses and aspiring talent in India and overseas.
The second batch is scheduled to begin in early January 2027.