Biocon Foundation launches BioWISE to empower 25 women in life sciences

Biocon Foundation has partnered with the National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS) and the Bengaluru Science and Technology (BeST) Cluster to launch BioWISE, an initiative designed to support women pursuing careers in life sciences across Karnataka. This initiative targets students from tier 2 and 3 colleges, aiming to increase female representation in STEM fields through structured support.

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The programme will support 25 women from diverse and underserved communities in its first state-level cohort—comprising 15 postgraduates and 10 undergraduates from life sciences disciplines. Participants will be selected from colleges and universities throughout Karnataka.

BioWISE offers a combination of scholarships, extended internships, mentorship, and hands-on research exposure. While postgraduate students will undergo a six-month engagement, undergraduates will be part of a three-month module. During this time, they will receive mentorship from experts at Biocon Biologics and NCBS, and gain exposure to advanced research environments.

Biocon Foundation is funding the initiative, with NCBS providing academic guidance and infrastructure. The BeST Cluster will oversee programme design and implementation. BioWISE aims to bridge gender and regional gaps in STEM education by strategically engaging students from areas with high female enrolment and performance in life sciences.