At a time when more women are studying science but fewer are making it into long-term careers, a new programme in Bengaluru is trying to close that gap.

The first cohort of the Biocon Foundation's BioWISE program was introduced at Biocon Park in collaboration with the Bengaluru Science and Technology Cluster and the National Centre for Biological Sciences.

Out of over 350 candidates from all over Karnataka, 15 postgraduate female students were chosen for the Women in STEM Empowered program. These students will participate in a six-month internship program that includes mentorship and financial assistance.

The larger plan goes beyond this first group. Around 25 students in total, including undergraduates from smaller towns and colleges, will be supported through training in biotechnology, life sciences, microbiology and related fields.

For now, the first batch has already been placed across some of the country’s leading research and academic institutions. Working with organisations like the Indian Institute of Science, the Institute of Bioinformatics and Applied Biotechnology, NCBS, and Biocon, participants gain practical experience in ongoing research and development projects.

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, commented “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, commented “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, commented “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.”

Naveen Narayanan, Chief Human Resources Officer, Biocon commented “BioWISE reflects our belief that inclusion must translate into opportunity. And for that, we need to support talent not as a one-time intervention, but as a sustained commitment. Programs like BioWISE represent a more deliberate approach where inclusion is not episodic, but built through consistency.”