Hyderabad: Syngene International Ltd., in collaboration with the Research and Innovation Circle of Hyderabad (RICH) and Biocon Foundation, has launched the third cohort of its highly impactful Women in STEM – scholarship and mentorship program.
This initiative continues to bridge the gap between education and employment in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), specifically targeting students from tier 2 and tier 3 institutions in India.
Now in its third year, the women in STEM program has selected 40 promising women students after a rigorous evaluation of academic performance, research interest, and socioeconomic background.
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The program aims to support underrepresented young women through financial scholarships, industry mentorship, and real-world research experience in laboratory environments.
Over the last two years, more than 50 students have benefited from this initiative, with many progressing into full-time research careers or PhD programs.
“As an innovation-driven organization, Syngene views this initiative as an investment in India’s scientific capacity,” said Pramuch Goel, Head of Corporate Affairs at Syngene. “We’re proud to nurture talent from underserved institutions and communities, helping create a more inclusive and future-ready research ecosystem.”
Focused on Empowering Women in STEM
Despite increasing awareness around STEM careers, women from smaller cities still face limited access to labs, mentors, and career guidance. The Syngene–RICH STEM scholarship program addresses these barriers with structured support and immersive learning experiences.
Participants will gain hands-on research exposure through internships with leading pharmaceutical and biotech firms, as well as premier research institutions such as the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research – Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CSIR–CCMB).
The program also features technical workshops, industry exposure visits, and networking opportunities designed to sharpen their skills and broaden their career outlook.
“This is more than an academic intervention – it’s a scalable model that connects science to society and learning to livelihood,” said Dr Parvinder Maini, Scientific Secretary, Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India.
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Personal Journeys, National Impact
Success stories from previous cohorts highlight the program’s transformative impact. Participants have moved from small-town classrooms to industry labs, citing the mentorship and exposure as life-changing.
“Before this program, I had never seen a professional lab or spoken to a scientist,” said Revathi Karamalla, a graduate of the second cohort. “This experience gave me confidence, skills, and a clear path forward.”
“Coming from a small village, I never thought I’d intern at a top pharmaceutical firm,” added Abhirami K, a participant in the current cohort. “It’s helping me turn ambition into action.”
Since its inception in 2022 with 21 students, the women in STEM program has expanded both in scale and scope. The second edition added new elements like biotech industry visits and a national roundtable on women in STEM.
Participants have gone on to pursue PhDs, full-time research roles, or extended internships, underscoring the program’s success in preparing women for careers in science.
“From small-town colleges to global research labs, these young women in STEM are rewriting the narrative,” said Rashmi Pimpale, CEO of RICH. “The program’s momentum proves that gender equity in science is not just a vision – it’s a necessity.”
“Through targeted support, we’re helping unlock India’s full scientific potential,” added Dr Anupama Shetty, Mission Director, Biocon Foundation.
