India RISE Fellowship
India RISE Fellowship
India RISE Fellowship (Research & Innovation STEMM Empowerment) is a 12-month program designed to empower the next generation of women leaders in science. Through advanced research training, dedicated mentorship, and leadership development, the fellowship helps participants build the skills, networks, and confidence to thrive in their scientific careers.
Conceptualized under the U.S.-India Alliance for Women’s Economic Empowerment by Gupta-Klinsky India Institute (GKII) at Johns Hopkins University, the program is guided by distinguished scientists from renowned institutions, including the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Government of India.
Our Mission
To enable a generation of women scientists to lead with purpose, collaborate across disciplines, and shape a more equitable future for research and innovation.
Each year, the fellowship supports 40 outstanding early-career Indian women in STEMM, offering a part-time, immersive curriculum that combines research skill-building, leadership masterclasses, and personalized mentorship. Fellows remain in their institutional roles while engaging with a supportive peer network that continues beyond the program year.
The U.S.-India Alliance for Women’s Economic Empowerment (Alliance) is a public-private partnership between the U.S. Department of State, the U.S.-India Business Council (USIBC), the Johns Hopkins University Gupta-Klinsky India Institute (JHU-GKII), and the American India Foundation (AIF). We focus on catalyzing innovative and scalable collaborations amongst the private sector, civil society, and universities, matchmaking expertise, networks, and resources to accelerate women’s economic empowerment in India.
Our Program Pillars
Building the next generation of women leaders in STEMM through comprehensive support and development.
Mentorship
Connect with leading professionals and academics who will guide your journey in STEMM fields.
Research Training
Access cutting-edge research opportunities and develop essential skills for success in STEMM.
Leadership Development
Build essential leadership skills through workshops, networking, and hands-on projects.
Join the INDIA RISE
Fellowship – Empowering
Women in STEMM
The INDIA RISE Fellowship invites women scientists to become leaders in research, innovation and STEMM empowerment. This prestigious program provides a platform to pursue transformative ideas, foster scientific excellence and contribute to India’s journey of progress
Fellowship Benefits
JHU Microcredential
Fellows receive a Johns Hopkins-backed Fellowship "Certification of Competency" upon completion, enhancing professional credibility.
Research Grant Opportunity
Each cohort is eligible to compete for a USD 50,000 grant to support high-impact, women-led scientific research.
Travel and Convening Support
Funding is available for travel to attend in-person training sessions, peer convenings, and national networking events.
Premium Learning Resources
Fellows gain access to premium Learning platforms such as LinkedIn Learning and curated online content from Johns Hopkins.
Lifelong Network Membership
Fellows engage in regular peer learning sessions, cross-cohort collaborations, and network-building activities with researchers, mentors, and leaders across disciplines.
Women in STEMM
* Video courtesy of Google India.
Meet our Steering Committee
Anita Shet
Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University
Prabhdeep Kaur
Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru
Kamini Walia
Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Government of India
Ritu Agarwal
Carey School of Business, Johns Hopkins University
Damini Agarwal
Infinite Biomedical Technologies (IBT)
Bushra Ateeq
Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur
Robert Bollinger
School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University (JHU)
Sridevi Sarma
Whiting School of Engineering, Johns Hopkins University (JHU)
