IIT Hyderabad Launches International Programme Shaping the Future of Product–Service Systems

An International Certificate Program in Integrated Product–Service System (IPSS) Design has been announced by the Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad (IITH). The initiative aims to expand global design education and strengthen innovation-driven industry linkages. The programme has been developed by the Department of Design (DoD) in collaboration with POLI.design, Milan, and is supported in India by the Indo-Italian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IICCI).

According to official statements, the programme is part of IIT Hyderabad’s plan to promote cross-border learning and advanced design practices. The partnership has been facilitated under IICCI’s Project Minerva – The Italian Education and Training Hub, which works to strengthen educational and industry partnerships between India and Italy.

Programme Structure and Schedule

The IPSS Design Certificate at IIT Hyderabad is a 54-hour online training programme scheduled to begin on 15 January 2026. It includes

• 30 hours of in-person online instruction, and

• 24-hour practical design workshops.

Faculty members from both POLI.design and IIT Hyderabad will jointly conduct the sessions, giving participants direct access to expertise from two leading design institutions.

Modules Included in the Course

This course has different modules that teach important skills in design and innovation. Each module helps you learn how to create products and services, think strategically, and solve real-world design problems. Experts from India and Italy will guide you throughout the course. Given below are the modules:

• Introduction to Design and Innovation

• Strategic Thinking and Vision Creation

• Service Design Innovation for Complex Products and Services

• Spatial Design: Physical and Social Innovation

• Business Innovation and Business Model Canvas

Eligibility and Fee Details

This IIT Hyderabad programme is open to candidates who have a Bachelor’s degree in engineering, design, architecture, art, or a related field from a recognized university or institute. Applicants with relevant work experience in product or service systems may be given priority.

The fee structure for the course is as follows:

Learning with Experts from Italy and India

A special feature of the programme is that teachers from Italy and India will take classes one after another. Students have the opportunity to learn from professionals in both nations as a result. It also helps them understand different design approaches. The course aims to help learners build important skills such as understanding how products and services can work together, using sustainable design methods, thinking strategically, and solving real business and design problems.

Leaders Stress the Advantages of the Program

According to Prof. BS Murty, Director of IIT Hyderabad, working together on these projects will lead to greater sharing of knowledge, as well as increasing support for India's rapidly evolving design ecosystem. As the former CEO of POLI.design, Prof. Cabirio Cautela stated, "This initiative will contribute to meeting the upskilling and reskilling demands of the Indian workforce by offering strategic design training." Claudio Maffioletti, CEO of the IICCI, noted that "the cooperation between India and Italy has the potential to further develop business opportunities through the transfer of significant skill sets related to design that are necessary to operate in the current marketplace."

A Global Learning Opportunity

POLI.design, part of the globally ranked Politecnico di Milano Design System, brings international expertise in project-based and postgraduate design education. Through this tri-partite collaboration, the programme aims to prepare professionals for sectors that rely on integrated product–service solutions and expand global networks in design and innovation.