The Indian Institute of Gems & Jewellery (IIGJ) and the India Centre for Lab Grown Diamonds (InCent LGD) at IIT Madras have commenced the first batch of their Global Certificate in Lab Grown Diamond Technology, with 23 participants. Classes began on 21 October 2026, following a virtual inauguration on 19 October.

The inaugural batch includes entrepreneurs, manufacturers, representatives of family-owned businesses, corporate professionals, academicians and aspiring professionals from several states.

The inaugural session was attended by Debasish Biswas, CEO, IIGJ, and Prof. M. S. R. Rao, Head, InCent LGD, IIT Madras. The programme is powered by GJEPC (sponsored by the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India).

The 90-hour programme comprises 30 hours of live online instruction by IIGJ, 48 hours of specialised teaching by InCent LGD, IIT Madras, and a 12-hour campus immersion at the IIT Madras 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.

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.

The programme aims to develop technical and professional skills for India’s growing lab-grown diamond sector. The second batch is scheduled to begin in early January 2027.