The Department of Biotechnology at IIT Madras was founded in 2004 with a vision to make an impact through research, technology based training and innovation and service to society. The department is housed in the 'Bhupat & Jyoti Mehta School of BioSciences Building'. Currently the department has 23 faculty members, about 200 undergraduate students, more than 110 graduate students and associated staff.

The focus of the department includes basic research in modern biotechnology and molecular basis of life processes; enhancing knowledge base and human resource development; and biotechnology for societal development.