Bengaluru, Karnataka, June 9, 2025: Biocon Foundation, in partnership with the National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS) and the Bengaluru Science and Technology (BeST) Cluster, has launched the BioWISE (Women in STEM Empowered) program to support 25 women students from tier 2 and 3 universities across Karnataka in building careers in life sciences.
The initiative was announced at an event held at the NCBS campus in Bengaluru. The program aims to provide selected undergraduate and postgraduate students with scholarships, extended internships, and mentorship to increase their participation and retention in the life sciences sector.
BioWISE is part of Biocon Biologics’ CSR efforts and focuses on creating a diverse and inclusive scientific ecosystem. The first cohort will include 15 postgraduate and 10 undergraduate students. The training period will be six months for PG students and three months for UG students.
Dr. Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, Chairperson, Biocon Group, said, “At Biocon Group, we believe that science must be inclusive. Empowering women in STEM through our program BioWISE is not just a moral imperative; it is a strategic investment in our nation’s future. Our commitment to supporting women in science stems from our broader vision of enabling equitable access to health, education, research, and opportunity.”
The program is being supported through funding by Biocon Foundation, with mentorship provided by experts from Biocon Biologics. NCBS will act as the host institution and academic mentor, while the BeST Cluster will oversee the program’s design and implementation. 
Prof. Ambarish Ghosh, Co-Principal Investigator, BeST Cluster, commented, “At BeST Cluster, we believe diversity and inclusion are essential. BioWISE is our step toward a scientific community where women from all backgrounds can thrive, lead, and inspire.”
R. Anantharaman, CEO, BeST Cluster, added, “This initiative is a commitment to ensure that career breaks do not translate into career ends. We believe BioWISE will help unlock the vast potential of talented women in STEM across Karnataka.”
Prof. L.S. Shashidhara, Director, NCBS, said,
“NCBS is honored to serve as a hub for this initiative, and we look forward to hosting and mentoring the next generation of women leaders in science.”
Dr. Sumana, Nodal Officer, Department of Collegiate Education, Government of Karnataka, stated, “Empowering women in STEM is not just a goal, it is a necessity for building resilient, future-ready research systems. BioWISE is an inclusive platform that brings this vision to life, starting right here in Karnataka.”
Dr. Anupama Shetty, Mission Director, Biocon Foundation, noted, “BioWISE is an essential step toward creating enabling environments where women can thrive in science. At Biocon Foundation, we believe that empowering women in STEM will have a ripple effect across communities, leading to more inclusive and sustainable growth.”
Prof. Vatsala Thirumalai, Dean Research, NCBS, added, “BioWISE represents more than training, it is about transformation. We are proud to support an initiative that brings opportunities to young women from underserved communities and prepares them for impactful careers in life sciences.”
Program Highlights:
Regular Mentor-Mentee Sessions: Continuous mentorship with experts from Biocon Biologics, NCBS, and other institutions to provide insights into research and career opportunities.
Lab Visits & Scientific Exposure: Structured visits to institutions including NCBS, TIGS (Tata Institute for Genetics and Society), IISc (Indian Institute of Science), and JNC (Jyoti Nivas College) for practical exposure.
Bio-Incubation Centre Visits: Participants will explore bio-incubators and innovation ecosystems to understand the entrepreneurial side of life sciences.
Hands-on Training & Research Seminars: Workshops, wet-lab experiences, and research-oriented seminars/webinars to develop scientific and technical skills.
Soft Skills & Communication Training: Focus on workplace readiness, professional communication, and career planning to support sustained reintegration into STEM careers.
The program is structured to provide participants with practical experience, academic exposure, and professional development opportunities in life sciences. It is intended to support skill-building, mentorship, and increased awareness of research and career pathways in the STEM sector.
