Runaya Partners with NIT Raipur to Support Women in STEM Through Scholarship Programme

Raipur, July 18, 2025: In a step toward promoting gender inclusivity in engineering, Runaya has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Raipur to launch the Runaya Reach Scholarship Programme. The initiative aims to support aspiring women engineers through scholarships, industry exposure, internships, and mentorship opportunities.

The MoU was formalized in the presence of Prof. N. V. Ramana Rao, Director of NIT Raipur, and Mr. Rajendra Nawandhar, Chief Financial Officer of Runaya, along with senior faculty and Runaya representatives. The programme is part of Runaya Reach, the company’s CSR arm focused on education, women’s empowerment, and sustainability.

Through this partnership, selected women students at NIT Raipur will receive financial assistance alongside practical industry training at Runaya’s advanced facilities. They will also benefit from mentorship by professionals to strengthen their career-readiness in STEM fields.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Manoj Kumar Chopkar expressed gratitude to Runaya for initiating the scholarship, highlighting the importance of encouraging women to pursue engineering and technology careers.

Jagannath Prasad Routray, CEO of Runaya Recycling Business, said, “At Runaya, we believe that real progress begins when opportunities are made accessible to all especially to those with the passion and potential to shape the future. Through Runaya Reach Scholarship Program, in collaboration with NIT Raipur, we’re proud to support aspiring women engineers by not only supporting their academic journey but also providing industry exposure to make them future-ready. This initiative is more than just an aid but a way to fuel ambition, foster equity, and pave the way for a more inclusive STEM ecosystem.”

The programme aims to bridge the gap between academic training and industry expectations, preparing students with the knowledge and experience necessary to thrive in the core industrial sectors.

Runaya’s CSR initiative, Runaya Reach, has previously undertaken efforts such as Project Laadli and Project Samvriddhi, which have impacted thousands of lives through education and environmental sustainability programmes.