STEM gets much-needed ‘Shakti’, courtesy Biocon Foundation

Bengaluru: Biocon Foundation, the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) arm of Biocon, in collaboration with the Bengaluru Science and Technology Cluster (BeST Cluster) and the National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS), formally onboarded the first cohort of the BioWISE (Women in STEM Empowered) programme at Biocon Park, Bengaluru, recently.

The first BioWISE cohort comprises 15 postgraduate women students selected through a rigorous, multi-stage process from over 350 applicants across Karnataka for a six-month internship programme, including scholarship and mentorship.

As part of the BioWISE programme, 25 women students — 15 postgraduates and 10 undergraduates — from tier 2 and tier 3 universities across Karnataka will be supported with academic training spanning biotechnology, life sciences, microbiology, bioinformatics and allied disciplines, enabling them to build sustainable careers in STEM.

The 15 participants onboarded in the first phase have been placed with leading academic and industry partners, including the National Centre for Biological Sciences (1), Institute of Bioinformatics and Applied Biotechnology (2), Indian Institute of Science (5) and Biocon (7), where they are working alongside scientists and industry professionals on live research and development programmes.

The formal onboarding was graced by Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, Chairperson, Biocon; R. Anantharaman, CEO, BeST Cluster; Dr Anupama Shetty, Mission Director, Biocon Foundation, Naveen Narayanan, Chief Human Resources Officer, Biocon and representatives from NCBS along with leaders from academia, research institutions and industry.

Dr Parvinder Maini, Scientific Secretary, Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (OPSA), addressed the gathering through a virtual message.

Speaking at the event, Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw said: “India does not have a pipeline problem in science; it has a transition problem. While women enter STEM education in large numbers, too many drop out at the stage of entering professional roles in industry. BioWISE is a strategic intervention at precisely this moment, where talent must meet opportunity. This programme by Biocon Foundation, BeST Cluster, and NCBS is about building confidence and ecosystems of support so women not only stay in science, but lead, innovate, and shape the future of India’s scientific enterprise.”

Dr Parvinder Maini, Scientific Secretary, Office of PSA, said: “The future of science and innovation will depend on how inclusively we nurture and strengthen our talent pipeline. When women are given equal access to opportunities, supported in their growth, and empowered to lead, the entire ecosystem benefits. Initiatives like BioWISE reflect this vision by bringing together academia, industry, and government to bridge the gap between education and workforce readiness, while enabling women from diverse backgrounds to contribute meaningfully to the future of science and innovation.”

BioWISE, launched in June 2025, is designed to enhance access, participation, and retention of women from underserved communities in STEM.

The programme addresses the gap many women face in transitioning from academic training to sustained scientific careers by offering a structured support ecosystem.

Participants receive exposure to real-life industry environments and opportunities to engage with leaders from industry.

In addition, BioWISE provides stipends, technical and soft‑skills training, and career guidance, helping participants build confidence, professional networks, and workplace readiness.