By: Express News ServiceSeptember 19, 2025 11:56 PM IST 2 min readBacked by alumnus, IIT Bombay launches WINGS scholarship to support women in STEM. ( Express photo by Deepak Joshi)In a significant move towards achieving gender equality in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay, distinguished alumnus Bharat Desai and his wife, Neerja Sethi–co-founders of Syntel, an IT consulting and outsourcing company–have introduced a new scholarship initiative titled WINGS–Women Inspiring Growth in STEM. This pioneering initiative will provide full tuition support to undergraduate women pursuing STEM degrees at IIT Bombay.Aimed at covering a substantial share of the female student population, it aspires to motivate more young women across the country to consider a top-tier STEM education. The first group of scholars will begin their studies in the 2026–2027 academic session, with a special focus on encouraging applicants from rural areas to apply to IIT Bombay.Highlighting the significance of the initiative, Prof Shireesh Kedare, Director of IIT Bombay, said, “Financial constraints should never determine a student’s future. This scholarship initiative is a commitment to ensuring that talented young women in STEM have the freedom to pursue their aspirations without limitations. It is a step toward a more equitable and diverse student community at IIT Bombay, that will shape the future of science and technology.”Reflecting on the broader impact of the initiative, Bharat Desai, a 1975 BTech graduate in Electrical Engineering from IIT Bombay, said, “Education is the most powerful tool for change. By removing financial obstacles, we are unleashing the talent and determination of young women who will drive the future of innovation and progress in India.”Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram© IE Online Media Services Pvt LtdTags:scholarship