From Textbook to Tech: How Chemistry Solves Real Problems | Episode 12

Chemistry is all around us — but why don’t more young people see it as a life-changing career? In this episode of the Prof. Mahesh Podcast, we sit down with one of India’s leading chemists and science entrepreneurs to explore chemistry’s transformative power and the urgent need to reimagine its place in our world. From solving real-world problems like water contamination and climate change to creating breakthroughs in materials, fuel, and pharmaceuticals — chemistry is not just a subject, but a force of change. Yet in schools, it’s too often seen as difficult, disconnected, or dull. We dive deep into where this perception comes from — and what changes are needed in how chemistry is taught and experienced. We also explore fascinating and lesser-known offshoots of chemistry — including how it intersects with data science, artificial intelligence, and even cosmetics. Here’s what we dive into: -What makes chemistry the science of transformation -The real-world impact of chemistry — clean energy, water, health, and sustainability -Why young people should be excited about studying chemistry in India today -The different disciplines in chemistry — from organic and inorganic to biochemistry, analytical, polymer science, and computational chemistry -How to make chemistry teaching inspiring and how practical exposure beats textbook learning every time -How a water purification idea turned into a successful deep-tech startup led by passionate students -What it takes to be a science entrepreneur — a strong idea, purpose, and the right people -What students should ask themselves if they want to bring real change through chemistry If you’ve ever been curious about what lies beyond the beaker — or if you’re a student wondering how to use chemistry to change the world — this episode is for you. Don’t forget to subscribe for future episodes so that you can make informed career decisions. Leave your questions in the comments and suggestions for topics you would like to see covered in later episodes. This podcast is brought to you by the Office of Global Engagement, IIT Madras - https://ge.iitm.ac.in/ All the references made in the podcast can be found here - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1a... Chapters: [00:00:00] Introduction [00:02:02] Personal Journey of Dr. T. Pradeep [00:07:11] Defining Moment in School [00:08:00] Biggest Challenges [00:10:15] Research Life at IISc [00:15:20] Chemistry is the Subject of Transformation [00:18:13] Chemistry’s Social Impact in India [00:21:06] Evolution of Chemistry [00:28:50] Fight Against Arsenic [00:36:00] Chemistry For Social Impact [00:41:16] New Careers in Chemistry [00:46:36] Opportunities in Pure Science [00:47:26] Research Careers [00:48:52] Entrepreneurship in Chemistry [00:52:43] Professional Life at IITM [00:55:53] Ending Notes Courses: NPTEL Nanomaterials - https://onlinecourses.nptel.ac.in/noc... Catalyst Science - https://nptel.ac.in/courses/103103 Spectroscopy - https://onlinecourses.nptel.ac.in/noc... Medicinal Chemistry - https://onlinecourses.nptel.ac.in/noc... Analytical Chemistry - https://onlinecourses.nptel.ac.in/noc... Food Chemistry - https://onlinecourses.swayam2.ac.in/c... Computational Chemistry - https://onlinecourses.nptel.ac.in/noc... Biochemistry - https://onlinecourses.nptel.ac.in/noc... Metallurgy - https://onlinecourses.nptel.ac.in/noc... Polymer Chemistry - https://onlinecourses.nptel.ac.in/noc... Coursera Nanotechnology - https://www.coursera.org/courses?quer... Molecular Spectroscopy - https://www.coursera.org/learn/spectr... Medicinal Chemistry - https://www.coursera.org/courses?quer... Advanced Chemistry - https://www.coursera.org/courses?quer... Food Science - https://www.coursera.org/courses?quer... Computational Chemistry - https://www.coursera.org/courses?quer... Biochemistry - https://www.coursera.org/courses?quer... Material Science - https://www.coursera.org/courses?quer... Polymer Chemistry - https://www.coursera.org/learn/harden... edX Nanotechnology - https://www.edx.org/learn/nanotechnology Spectroscopy - https://www.edx.org/learn/spectroscopy Medicinal Chemistry - https://www.edx.org/learn/medicine/da... Food Science - https://www.edx.org/learn/food-science Computational Chemistry - https://www.edx.org/learn/computer-pr... Biochemistry - https://www.edx.org/learn/biochemistry Materials Science - https://www.edx.org/learn/materials-s... Polymer Chemistry - https://www.edx.org/learn/chemistry/o...