Mumbai, September 16, 2025: Lodha Foundation has partnered with the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Pune to launch a multi-year programme under its Lodha Genius initiative, aimed at identifying and nurturing high-potential students from grades 6 to 12. The initiative seeks to foster scientific excellence, research aptitude, and holistic development among India’s brightest young minds.
The programme will be fully funded by the Lodha Foundation and will begin with the launch of science circles, where selected students will participate in two-year weekend programmes at the IISER Pune campus. In the second year, the top 50 students will undertake faculty-guided research projects, attend conferences, and work on developing research initiatives.
Residential summer and winter programmes with interdisciplinary STEM courses are also planned, spanning 2–4 weeks for selected students nationwide. In its first year, the initiative will admit students from grades 6 to 9.
“Mensa states that 2-4 per cent of population is gifted. At Lodha Foundation, we strive to identify and nurture these geniuses who believe in ideology of Paropkar Param Dharma, and want to give back to the society. They are put on an accelerated learning programme and eventually will help India in becoming a global leader. I firmly believe our collaboration with IISER Pune takes us closer to achieving our Honorable Prime Minister’s vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047,” said Abhishek Lodha, Trustee, Lodha Foundation.
Elaborating on the collaboration, Mahika Shishodia, Deputy Programme Director - Genius Development at Lodha Foundation, said, “The partnership between Lodha Foundation and IISER Pune is a major step in nurturing scientific talent in India. Our aim will be to provide a rich nurturing journey to the selected students with exposure to great institutions, highly qualified mentors and character building - enabling the genius to reach their full potential. Over 1000 students will benefit from this fully funded programme across the next couple of years.”
Reflecting on the initiative, Prof. Sunil Bhagwat, Director, IISER Pune, said, “We are delighted to partner with the Lodha Foundation to launch the Lodha Genius – IISER Pune Programme. This initiative reflects our shared commitment to nurturing some of the brightest young minds in the sciences and equipping them with the skills, values, and confidence required to address the challenges of the future. At IISER Pune, we view science not only as the pursuit of knowledge but also as a means of contributing meaningfully to society. Through this programme, we aim to foster curiosity, creativity, and responsibility in the next generation of scientists and innovators.”
Prof. Arnab Mukherjee, Dean of International Relations and Outreach at IISER Pune, added, “The Lodha Genius – IISER Pune Programme is a significant step in extending IISER Pune’s outreach in science education. By combining our academic expertise with the Lodha Foundation’s commitment to social transformation, we are creating opportunities for talented school students to experience the excitement of scientific discovery at an early stage. This initiative will not only strengthen the pipeline of future scientists but also nurture socially conscious young individuals who can bridge science and society.”
