BioWISE Biocon’s STEM Initiative for 25 Women from Karnataka
Imagine that the next Innovation in Indian Life Science isn’t emerging from a metropolitan laboratory but from a basic classroom in a small-town Science college.
Various premier Institutions and Colleges in our country often overshadow numerous untapped talents. Hence, a new STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) initiative is finally shining the overdue spotlight on young women in Science from less popular regions of our country.
On 9th June 2025 (Monday), in the Silicon city of India, Bengaluru, a revolutionary programme was launched to reshape India’s STEM landscape. The “BioWISE – Women in STEM Empowered” programme was launched by the Biocon Foundation in partnership with the NCBS (National Centre for Biological Sciences), as well as the BeST (Bengaluru Science and Technology) Cluster. It is set to uplift and mentor 25 promising women STEM students from Tier-2 as well as Tier-3 colleges in Karnataka. Through this programme, these 25 students will get exposure and essential tools to a successful STEM career in the future.
Levelling the Field for Women in Science
The BioWISE programme stands out with its unique approach to closing the gaps in STEM education and representation. It offers structured and technical support to talented women from our country’s economically and socially disadvantaged regions. The inaugural batch includes 10 UG (Undergraduate) and 15 PG (Postgraduate) students pursuing degrees in Life Sciences and related fields.
The students would gain access to skill-building sessions, career-shaping opportunities, as well as expert mentorship that are generally out of reach for curious learners in smaller colleges.
The Chairperson of Biocon Group, Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, stated that “Empowering women in STEM through BioWISE is not just a moral imperative; it is a strategic investment in our nation’s future.” She emphasizes the initiative’s larger purpose, which is to ensure equitable access to Research, Professional advancement, as well as Education for the underrepresented groups in Life Science and related fields.
Targeting the STEM Gap
Women students from Tier-2 and Tier-3 institutions generally face systemic barriers, i.e., inadequate mentorship, few career pathways to the industry, as well as limited exposure to Research. BioWISE addresses such challenges through a multi-dimensional and robust support framework, including:
- Internships in real-world Life Sciences and Biotechnology industries
- One-on-one mentorship with Biocon Biologics experts
- Research seminars and Technical workshops hosted by the NCBS
- To promote entrepreneurial awareness, exposure visits to Bio-incubation centres
- Soft skills development to improve career readiness, confidence, as well as communication.
This comprehensive programme is designed to prepare women students for STEM careers, as well as to nurture and retain them in the long term for India’s STEM future. The thoroughness of the BioWISE programme should reassure the audience about the students’ preparedness for their future careers.
Thought Leadership
At the launch, various dignitaries from academia, industry, and the government underscored the urgent need for inclusive and encouraging initiatives like BioWISE.
- The CEO of BeST, R. Anantharaman, emphasised the programme’s role in fostering Scientific equity across the regions, as well as tapping into Karnataka’s wider women talent pool.
- The Director of NCBS, Prof. L.S. Shashidhara, stated that diverse participation in Science is essential for solving complicated challenges with broader perspectives.
- The Dean of Research at NCBS, Prof. Vatsala Thirumalai, as well as the Mission Director at Biocon Foundation, Dr. Anupama Shetty, noted the need to address the entry-level gap as well as the mid-career career opportunities for women in STEM careers.
- The Nodal Officer at the Department of Collegiate Education, Government of Karnataka, Dr. Sumana, showcased the statistics on women leaders in India: Only 7 to 10% of women are in leadership roles in India, and their start-up participation is limited to about 10%.
These statistics reinforce the need for targeted interventions and gender-responsive initiatives like the BioWISE programme.
A Collaborative Model for Systemic Impact
The multi-stakeholder model brings together industry, the Government, as well as academia, and this is what makes BioWISE truly impactful and empowering. This collaborative approach ensures that the audience is not just a passive observer but an integral part of the movement towards gender equity in STEM.
- Biocon Foundation is the principal funder, advancing its vision and mission of educational equity and social responsibility.
- Biocon Biologics contributes expert industry mentorship, bridging the gap between employment and education.
- NCBS provides research and academic mentorship, hosting seminars and training for students.
- BeST Cluster manages the programme design, execution, and management, ensuring its relevance to industry and research horizons.
This cross-sector partnership would ensure that the programme is scalable, replicable, as well as impactful across various regions and disciplines.
From Classroom to Lab Bench: Real-World Exposure
In addition to academic training, the BioWISE programme also prioritizes experiential learning through:
- Research-focused sessions to encourage scientific innovation and curiosity.
- Hands-on workshops to build analytical skills and critical laboratory skills.
- Professional mentorship, linking students to esteemed industry leaders.
- Career-readiness coaching, fostering critical thinking, resilience, and leadership.
- Incubation centre visits introduce students to the biotechnology start-up culture and ventures.
Together, these elements create an environment that prepares participants for the industry and academic research roles in Healthcare, Science, and Biotechnology innovation.
A Vision for Inclusive Scientific Growth
While BioWISE begins with Life Sciences, its broader mission is to promote women’s participation across STEM fields, ensuring that India’s Scientific advancements are representative, sustainable, as well as inclusive.
This programme ensures that talent is not lost to circumstance by targeting regions with limited Educational resources. These 25 students are not just beneficiaries; they are pioneers in redefining what India’s Scientific future can look like.
Empowering Potential, Inspiring Progress
The successful launch of BioWISE signals a crucial step in India’s journey towards scientific equity. By investing in young women from underrepresented regions, the initiative does more than support individual aspirations; it strengthens the foundations of a diverse and innovative scientific community.
With continued support from Biocon Foundation, the BeST Cluster, and NCBS, the BioWISE programme serves as a model for future programmes aiming to bridge gaps in STEM education and leadership.
When opportunity reaches the overlooked, and belief replaces barriers, science doesn’t just grow; it transforms.
As these 25 students begin their journey, they carry with them not just the promise of personal success but the potential to inspire a generational shift in how and where India nurtures its scientists. The BioWISE programme’s transformative potential is a beacon of hope for the future of STEM in India.
