Biocon Foundation, the CSR arm of Biocon, in partnership with the Bengaluru Science and Technology Cluster (BeST Cluster) and the National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS), has formally inducted the first cohort of the BioWISE (Women in STEM Empowered) programme at Biocon Park, Bengaluru.

The inaugural cohort brings together 15 postgraduate women students, chosen through a rigorous multi-stage selection process from more than 350 applicants across Karnataka, for a six-month internship programme that combines scholarships with structured mentorship.

Under the larger BioWISE initiative, 25 women students—15 postgraduates and 10 undergraduates—from tier 2 and tier 3 universities across Karnataka will receive academic training in biotechnology, life sciences, microbiology, bioinformatics and allied disciplines, helping them build long-term and sustainable careers in STEM.

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

Speaking at the event, Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, Chairperson, Biocon Group, 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 program 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, commented: “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.”

R. Anantharaman, CEO, BeST Cluster, said: “Bengaluru Science and Technology (BeST) Cluster is grateful to Biocon Foundation, National Center for Biological Sciences (NCBS), and other leading institutions for backing BioWISE 25-26 (Women in STEM Empowered) - Cohort 1, a six-month internship giving 15 postgraduate women students or from Tier-2 and Tier-3 colleges learning opportunities, structured mentorship, and guidance to empower women in STEM, focusing on life sciences.”

Prof. L.S. Shashidhara, Director, NCBS, added: “The BioWise program is a significant and timely initiative aimed at empowering women in STEM. The entire STEM community is indebted to Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw and the Biocon Foundation. The BeST Cluster has played a catalytic role in bringing together a strong network of collaborators and mentors from leading institutions such as IISc, IBAB, NCBS, CBR, and other organizations thereby fostering a truly collaborative and enabling ecosystem. Such multi-institutional efforts are essential to nurture talent, build confidence, and support the long-term growth of women scientists.”

Dr Anupama Shetty, Mission Director, Biocon Foundation, said: “BioWISE is designed as a long-term intervention to support women at critical transition points in their scientific journeys. In addition to the 15 postgraduate interns currently onboarded, the program will also support 10 undergraduate students through scholarships, short-term internships and mentorship modules during the year, creating early exposure and continuity into STEM careers.”