IIT Bombay signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Kotak Education Foundation (KEF), the CSR implementing agency of Kotak Mahindra Group, on August 12, 2024. This partnership aims to empower promising women from underserved communities at IIT Bombay through the exclusive Kotak Kanya-IIT Bombay Scholarship. This initiative underscores a shared commitment to nurturing talent and enhancing access to quality education.

The MoU was exchanged under the leadership of Dr. Ganesh Raja, CEO of KEF, and in the esteemed presence of Mr. Parag Ganu, CFO, Ms. Jayasree Ramesh, Director-Education and Scholarship, and Ms. Arati Kaulgud, Scholarship Project Head, along with key representatives from IIT Bombay.

In his address during the ceremony, Dr. Raja said, ‘Empowering girl children from underserved communities through education, the Kotak Kanya-IIT Bombay Scholarship is a powerful, transformative, industry-leading collective for social progress. This pivotal merit-cum-means scholarship is designed to provide a comprehensive umbrella of financial aid, holistic mentorship, industry exposure, valuable career counselling and academic support, critical life skills, and communication skills. A sustainable enabler of equitable, quality education, this scholarship will help students thrive, facilitate economic empowerment, drive mindset changes and foster future leaders”.

Prof. Ravi Gudi, Dean ACR said, “The Kotak Kanya-IIT Bombay Scholarship ensures that young women, particularly those from underserved communities, have the opportunity to access and excel in the world-class education we offer. The Kotak Kanya-IIT Bombay Scholarship is more than a financial support mechanism; it is a catalyst for change. By supporting these young women, we are laying the foundation for a future where women are not just participants but are at the forefront of technological innovation and leadership.

The Kotak Kanya-IIT Bombay Scholarship is designed to support female students by providing financial assistance of Rs. 2.85 lakhs annually until they complete their professional graduation degree. In addition to financial aid, the scholarship program also facilitates the holistic development of the scholars through intensive student engagement and finishing school activities.

Ms. Jayasree Ramesh said, “Today marks a watershed moment in the journey towards gender equality and scientific advancement. This partnership between Kotak Education Foundation and IIT Bombay is a testament to our collective commitment to empowering young women to be leaders and change-makers in the fields of STEM. This scholarship will support girls in breaking barriers and becoming successful professionals and role models for their families and communities. By investing in their education, we are nurturing individual potential and cultivating a brighter future for our nation.”

The partnership between IIT Bombay and Kotak Education Foundation highlights the Institute’s pivotal role in advancing gender equality and empowering women in STEM. With this scholarship, the Institute is not only providing deserving young women from underserved communities with access to its world-class education but also offering the comprehensive support necessary for their success. This collaboration underscores IIT Bombay’s dedication to creating a more inclusive and innovative future, where women play a central role in driving progress.