Biocon Foundation, the Corporate Social Responsibility 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) program at the Biocon Park, Bengaluru.
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 program, including scholarship and mentorship.
As part of the BioWISE program, 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 programs.
The formal onboarding event 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, 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.”
BioWISE, launched in June 2025, is designed to enhance access, participation, and retention of women from underserved communities in STEM. The program 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.
