IIT Hyderabad Launches International Certificate Programme in Integrated Product–Service System (IPSS) Design
The Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad (IITH) has recently announced the launch of an innovative educational initiative: the Integrated Product–Service System (IPSS) Design Certificate Programme. This international training programme has been developed in collaboration with POLI.design, based in Milan, Italy, and is supported in India by the Indo-Italian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IICCI).
About the Programme
The IPSS Certificate Programme is a comprehensive 54-hour online course that combines theoretical knowledge with practical application. The structure of the programme includes:
- 30 hours of live online modules: These sessions will be led by faculty from both POLI.design and the Department of Design (DoD) at IITH.
- 24 hours of hands-on design workshops: These workshops will also be facilitated by faculty from both institutions, allowing participants to engage in practical design exercises.
The curriculum is designed to alternate between expert faculty from Italy and India, ensuring that participants receive a global perspective, cross-cultural learning opportunities, and practical design applications.
Learning Objectives
The programme aims to equip participants with essential skills and knowledge in the following areas:
- Product-service system thinking: Understanding the integration of products and services to create value.
- Sustainable design methodologies: Learning approaches that prioritize environmental sustainability in design.
- Strategic and organizational innovation skills: Developing the ability to innovate within organizations.
- Real-world problem-solving: Gaining skills to address actual design and business challenges.
- Global collaboration, creativity, and leadership: Fostering skills necessary for effective teamwork and leadership in diverse environments.
Statements from Key Figures
Prof. B S Murty, Director of IIT Hyderabad, expressed enthusiasm about the course and the partnership, stating, “IITH is partnering with POLI.Design, Milan, Italy and the Indo-Italian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IICCI) to start a unique certificate programme on Integrated Product Service and System design. Technology has enabled us to connect seamlessly across the globe, and it will be a major boost to the global knowledge sharing paradigm fostering strong bilateral collaboration with Italy. India is poised to leverage the demographic dividend and excel in the product development economy enabled by a strong service-driven ecosystem. I hope this initiative will go a long way in building skilled and competent human resources for Viksit Bharat.”
Prof. Cabirio Cautela, former CEO of POLI.design and a Full Professor of Strategic Design, added, “POLI.design is pleased to partner with one of India’s leading design institutions in advancing high-level training in Integrated Product–Service System Design. Through this collaboration, we aim to support India’s upskilling and reskilling needs by sharing our strategic design expertise and fostering new avenues for global innovation.”
Claudio Maffioletti, CEO & Secretary General of IICCI, emphasized the importance of such partnerships, stating, “For the IICCI, partnerships as such are fundamental to reinforcing the Indo-Italian business corridor and expanding the scope of bilateral economic engagement. By connecting IIT Hyderabad and POLI.design through IICCI’s Minerva Eduhub, we are facilitating the transfer of advanced design capabilities that industry increasingly relies upon for innovation and strategic differentiation. This initiative strengthens the collaborative pathways that elevate skills, deepen industry capability, and enhance professional readiness across both countries. In doing so, it contributes to a more resilient and sophisticated talent ecosystem—one that supports high-value bilateral trade, design-driven enterprises, and sustained long-term growth for Indo-Italian businesses.”
A Global Tri-Partite Collaboration
The IPSS Design Certificate Programme is a result of a global collaboration aimed at enhancing international design education and fostering industry-linked innovation. The association with POLI.design through IICCI’s Project Minerva—The Italian Education and Training Hub—played a crucial role in shaping this partnership and introducing advanced design training frameworks into India.
This collaboration aligns with IITH’s mission to cultivate future-ready designers who can operate at the intersection of technology, sustainability, and human-centered design. By offering this programme, IITH aims to prepare participants for the challenges of the modern design landscape.
Conclusion
The launch of the Integrated Product–Service System Design Certificate Programme at IIT Hyderabad marks a significant step towards enhancing design education and fostering international collaboration. By bridging the gap between theory and practice, this initiative aims to equip participants with the skills necessary to thrive in a rapidly evolving global economy.
Note: The information presented in this article is based on the latest updates from IIT Hyderabad and its partners as of December 2025.
