The Pune Knowledge Cluster (PKC), in collaboration with BASF Chemicals India Pvt. Ltd., has launched the PKC WEnyan Scholarship Program 2025, an ambitious initiative aimed at supporting female students from marginalised communities and low-income groups in Maharashtra. This scholarship focuses on empowering women pursuing education and careers in chemistry and allied fields such as speciality chemicals, agrochemicals, new materials, pharmaceuticals, medicinal chemistry, sustainability, and entrepreneurship.
The PKC WEnyan Scholarship Program addresses the pressing need to promote gender equity and inclusion within the scientific and entrepreneurial landscape of Maharashtra. By encouraging women from underrepresented communities to advance in basic research and entrepreneurship, the program hopes to nurture future leaders and innovators who can contribute meaningfully to India’s chemical and allied industries.
Eligibility Criteria
The scholarship is exclusively for female applicants domiciled in Maharashtra who belong to marginalised communities or low-income groups. The program is divided into two categories based on the applicant’s academic and entrepreneurial pursuits:
- Scholarship Category A (Academic Research Project): Applicants must be final-year graduate students pursuing degrees such as B.Sc, B.Tech, B.E., B.Pharm, or equivalent at the undergraduate level, or M.Sc, M.Tech, M.E., M.Pharm, or equivalent at the postgraduate level.
- Scholarship Category B (Entrepreneurship): Applicants pursuing full-time entrepreneurship within one year of completing a graduate or postgraduate degree, or Ph.D. students in their first three years engaged in product or prototype development, are eligible.
Scholarship Benefits
The program provides substantial financial support tailored to the candidate’s educational or entrepreneurial stage:
- Undergraduate Women: Receive a monthly scholarship of up to ₹10,000 for 3 months.
- Postgraduate Women: Receive a monthly scholarship of up to ₹15,000 for 6 months.
- Early-Stage Women Entrepreneurs: Receive a monthly scholarship of up to ₹15,000 for 6 months along with a prototyping grant of up to ₹2,00,000 to support product development.
Beyond financial assistance, selected candidates will gain access to free interactive sessions conducted once a month with accomplished women leaders in chemistry, applied sciences, and entrepreneurship. These sessions provide mentorship, inspiration, and networking opportunities crucial for career development.
Application Process and Important Dates
Applicants must submit a comprehensive application including:
- Project proposal (entrepreneurship or research) in the prescribed format
- Class 12 mark sheet and certificates
- Mark sheets of the latest undergraduate or postgraduate examination
- Income proof, such as a non-creamy layer certificate or income certificate
- Bank account details with completed KYC
The last date to apply is 15 August 2025. Shortlisted candidates will undergo a screening and presentation process on 31 August 2025, with results announced on 30 September 2025. The scholarship projects will commence from 1 November 2025.
Selection Criteria
Applicants will be evaluated based on:
- Academic performance and grades
- Scientific evidence and rationale supporting their project proposal
- Demonstrated interest in pursuing careers in research, science-based entrepreneurship, or related industries
- Commitment to full-time engagement in the proposed project
The PKC WEnyan Scholarship Program 2025 stands as a vital platform fostering women’s participation in science and entrepreneurship within Maharashtra. By providing financial aid, mentorship, and networking, it empowers women from marginalised backgrounds to overcome barriers and excel in chemistry and allied disciplines. This initiative exemplifies the collaborative effort to build an inclusive and innovative scientific community that drives sustainable development and gender equality, for more details and apply CLICK HERE
