Women’s Leadership in STEM Entrepreneurship and BIRAC, New Delhi

The Women’s Leadership in STEM Entrepreneurship initiative serves as a cornerstone for gender-inclusive innovation within the Indian scientific landscape. Because the current ecosystem often presents unique hurdles for female innovators, this program focuses specifically on equipping mid- to senior-career women with the tools required to scale their ventures. Furthermore, the collaboration between BIRAC, Grand Challenges India, and WomenLift Health ensures that participants receive world-class mentorship. Consequently, this program acts as a catalyst for professional transformation, enabling women to transition from functional experts to influential industry leaders.

Program Highlights

Feature	Details
Program Title	Women’s Leadership in STEM Entrepreneurship (WLS)
Organizing Institution	BIRAC, Grand Challenges India, and WomenLift Health
Duration	12 Months (Part-time)
Mode of Delivery	Hybrid (Virtual Touchpoints + 2 In-person Residencies)
Cohort Size	30 Selected Women Leaders
Financial Support	Fully Funded (Includes travel and lodging)
Application Deadline	January 23, 2026 (04:00 PM IST)

Program Overview

The Women’s Leadership in STEM Entrepreneurship program is structured as a 12-month leadership journey that respects the professional commitments of high-achieving women. For instance, the curriculum is delivered through a hybrid model, combining remote learning with intensive in-person sessions. In addition to skill-building, the program emphasizes the creation of a “safe space” where leaders can explore vulnerability and peer-led growth. Specifically, the initiative addresses the organizational and societal challenges that women face in India’s public health and engineering sectors. As a result, graduates emerge with a stronger sense of belonging and a robust toolkit for strategic decision-making.

Eligibility Criteria

In order to be considered for this prestigious cohort, applicants must fulfill several stringent requirements. Specifically, the program is designed for:

• Gender Identity: Participants must identify as women.
• National Status: Only Indian nationals currently residing and working in India are eligible.
• Professional Longevity: Applicants require a minimum of 8 years of experience in STEM or Public Health. Notably, time spent pursuing a PhD or Post-doctoral research is recognized as professional experience.
• Current Leadership: Candidates must hold the position of Founder, Co-founder, or CEO in a registered STEM or public health startup.
• Language Proficiency: Because the program involves global frameworks, fluency in English is essential.

Curriculum & Topics Covered

The program modules are carefully curated to provide holistic development. For example, the curriculum includes:

• Authentic Leadership: Focuses on self-awareness, reflection, and identifying unique leadership strengths.
• Voice and Presence: Teaches strategies for enhancing influence in high-stakes environments.
• Strategic Networking: Facilitates connections with a diverse and inclusive network of global peers.
• Executive Coaching: Provides one-on-one sessions to address specific professional roadblocks.
• The Leadership Project: Requires participants to design a project that addresses a critical challenge in their institution or community.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the 12-month duration, participants will have gained significant advantages. Specifically, they will:

• Acquire contextualized tools to address gender-based challenges in the Indian workspace.
• Develop a lifelong network of high-profile mentors and coaches.
• Gain mastery over leadership frameworks that promote work-life harmony.
• Execute a high-impact project that showcases their leadership growth to stakeholders.

Certification & Assessment

To successfully complete the program, participants must demonstrate consistent engagement. For example, attendance at all virtual touchpoints and the two mandatory in-person residencies is required. Furthermore, the progress of the “Leadership Project” serves as a primary assessment metric. Upon completion, BIRAC and WomenLift Health award a formal certification, which significantly enhances the participant’s professional standing in the global STEM community.

Registration Details

Detail	Information
Registration Portal	click here
Application Deadline	January 23, 2026
Registration Fee	Nil (Fully Funded)
Selection Criteria	Merit-based evaluation of leadership potential
Official Brochure	Download RFP/Brochure

Contact Information

If you have further questions regarding the application process, you may contact the program coordinators through the following channels:

• Mission Director: Grand Challenges India, BIRAC.
• Primary Email: mdpmubmgf.birac@nic.in
• Secondary Email: user-23@birac.nic.in
• Official Website: click here

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is there a cost associated with the residencies?
No, the program is fully funded; therefore, all travel and accommodation costs for the in-person workshops are covered by the organizers.

Can I apply if I am in the early stages of my startup?
The program is specifically designed for mid- to senior-career leaders; consequently, you must have at least 8 years of professional experience to qualify.

How do I apply for the Women’s Leadership in STEM Entrepreneurship program?
You can apply directly through the BIRAC portal by submitting your professional profile and leadership project proposal before the January 23 deadline.

What is the duration of the in-person sessions?
The program includes two residencies (Immersion and Lift-Off), each typically lasting five days, which are essential for peer networking.

Is research experience counted toward the 8-year requirement?
Yes, years spent in PhD or Post-doc roles are counted as professional experience; however, you must currently be in a leadership role within a startup.