Call For Proposal

Recognizing the barriers that hinder women’s participation in STEM careers and leadership positions, Grand Challenges India (GCI)-Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) and WomenLift Health are launching a leadership development program exclusively for women entrepreneurs called Women's Leadership in STEM Entrepreneurship. The program aims to expand the power and influence of talented women entrepreneurs in STEM.

Women’s Leadership in STEM Entrepreneurship is a leadership development program for women entrepreneurs in STEM. Through this program, 30 mid-career women entrepreneurs leading STEM innovations would be selected for a year-long journey which will be executed in a hybrid manner including virtual and in-person workshops. The workshops would provide tools and frameworks for expanding and developing leadership styles and creating an inclusive and diverse network to foster a strong sense of belonging and also enhance their voice, presence, and influence. This programme has been designed as a part-time year long program that can be accommodated alongside a fulltime position/engagement.

The key elements for the program include,

1. Leadership Assessments: These are developmental tools that provide meaningful data on understanding one’s leadership traits, identify strengths to leverage, set short- and long-term development goals, and make the most of the current challenges and opportunities.
2. Coaching: Cohort members are paired with an executive coach who works with them to build on their strengths and address areas for growth. Leadership style assessments will inform these conversations and enhance each participant’s understanding of their own leadership skills. With this feedback and support from their coach, participants can decide which leadership competencies to focus on, paving the road for them to be a more powerful and effective leader.
3. Access to Mentorship: Effective women leaders are championed by a strong support network, including mentors. We identify senior-level leaders to serve as mentors to the cohort. Mentoring groups, comprised of multiple participants and one mentor, are formed based on complementary backgrounds and professional trajectories.

For more details refer to RFP

The prerequisites to apply for Women’s Leadership in STEM Entrepreneurship include,

1. The applicant should identify as a woman.
2. A mid-career entrepreneur or innovator with a minimum of eight (8) years* of experience in STEM and/or Public Health fields. (*Completed PhDs and advanced degrees such as post-docs will be counted as work experience).
3. A founder/co-founder/CEO of a registered STEM and/or public health startup or enterprise in India.
4. An Indian national and currently reside and work within India.
5. Possess ease in written and verbal communication in English.
6. Should live in the India Standard Time (IST) time zone for at least 75 percent of the programme duration, as time zone compatibility is essential to engage effectively with peers within and outside of the touchpoints.

Applications are required to be submitted online only. For scheme details and submission of application, please log on to BIRAC website (www.birac.nic.in).

Click here to Register/Apply

For queries, please contact:

Contact details 

Senior Program Manager, Grand Challenges India, Email: user-23@birac.nic.in

In-Charge, Grand Challenges India, Email pmubmgf5.birac@nic.in

Announcement Date: 18-12-2025
Last Submission Date: 23-01-2026 04:00 PM