STEM Futures Brighten: Syngene Launches Third Cohort of Women’s Scholarship and Mentorship Program

Syngene International Ltd, in partnership with the Research and Innovation Circle of Hyderabad (RICH) and Biocon Foundation, has announced the third edition of its flagship STEM scholarship and mentorship initiative for women. The program is designed to empower students from tier-two and tier-three institutions with financial support, hands-on research exposure, and career guidance.

Key Highlights From the 2025 Cohort

- Forty women have been selected through a rigorous evaluation process based on academic merit, research orientation, and socio-economic background  
- Participants will receive structured mentorship and financial assistance, along with practical lab experience in real-world research environments  
- The program includes project-based internships with leading pharmaceutical and biotech firms, as well as premier institutions like CSIR–CCMB  
- Technical seminars and industry visits are integrated to build research skills and expand professional networks  
- The initiative aims to bridge the gap between academic learning and career readiness, especially for women from underserved communities  

Strategic Impact and Broader Vision

- Over 50 women have benefitted from the program since its launch in 2022, with many progressing to PhD programs and full-time research roles  
- The initiative aligns with India’s push for inclusive scientific development and gender equity in STEM fields  
- Government officials and scientific leaders, including representatives from the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser and CSIR, attended the launch  
- Syngene views the program as a long-term investment in India’s scientific ecosystem, fostering talent from institutions with limited access to infrastructure  

Outlook

With its third cohort underway, the Syngene–RICH program continues to redefine pathways for women in science, offering not just opportunity—but transformation.

Sources: Deccan Chronicle, The Hindu, UNI India, Pharmabiz, Curriculum Magazine, BioSpectrum India