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 Biocon Foundation, the Corporate Social Responsibility arm of Biocon Group in collaboration with The Bengaluru Science and Technology (BeST) Cluster, and National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS), announced the launch of first-of-its-kind programme BioWISE - Women in STEM Empowered, aimed at disadvantaged science students from tier 2 and 3 universities across Karnataka, to build a career in life sciences.
By supporting 25 women students from diverse communities through scholarships, extended internships, and mentorship, this programme will work to build a scientific ecosystem. As the first state-level cohort, the BioWISE programme will support 25 women students, including 15 postgraduates (PG) and 10 undergraduates (UG) from life sciences backgrounds.
The initiative is designed to run for 6 months for PG students and 3 months for UG students, offering them extensive exposure, training, and mentorship. Biocon Foundation will enable the initiative through funding and experts from Biocon Biologics, industry partner, will support with mentorship; while NCBS will serve as the host institute and academic mentoring partner. BeST Cluster will contribute to the program’s design, management, and implementation.
Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, chairperson, Biocon Group, said, “We believe that science must be inclusive. Empowering women in STEM through our programme BioWISE, is not just a moral imperative; it is a strategic investment in our nation’s future. Our commitment to supporting women in science stems from our broader vision of enabling equitable access to health, education, research, and opportunity.”
Prof Ambarish Ghosh, Co-PI, BeST Cluster, stated, “We believe diversity and inclusion are essential. BioWISE is our step toward a scientific community where women from all backgrounds can thrive, lead, and inspire.”
Anatharaman, CEO, BeST Cluster, said, “This initiative is a commitment to ensure that career breaks do not translate into career ends. We believe BioWISE will help unlock the vast potential of talented women in STEM across Karnataka.”
Prof. L.S. Shashidhara, director, NCBS, stated, “NCBS is honoured to serve as a hub for this initiative, and we look forward to hosting and mentoring the next generation of women leaders in science.”
Dr Sumana, Nodal officer, DCE, Government of Karnataka, observed “Empowering women in STEM is not just a goal, it is a necessity for building resilient, future-ready research systems. BioWISE is an inclusive platform that brings this vision to life, starting right here in Karnataka.”
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