Manipal, January 15, 2026: Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), an Institution of Eminence Deemed to be University, has been conferred the prestigious CII Award on Excellence for Women in STEM 2025 for the second consecutive year, reaffirming its sustained commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). The award was presented by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) during the CII Annual Summit, held recently in New Delhi. The recognition highlights MAHE’s robust institutional frameworks, targeted mentorship initiatives, and an enabling academic and research ecosystem that supports the growth, leadership, and success of women researchers, faculty members, and innovators in STEM disciplines.
The award was received on behalf of the University by Dr. Chandrakala C. B., Joint Director, Manipal Institute of Technology (MIT), Manipal, and Dr. Prema K. V., Joint Director, MIT Bengaluru. The presentation was made by eminent dignitaries, including Dr. Ashish Mohan, Executive Director, CII; Dr. Vaishali Nigam Sinha, Chair, CII Women in STEM Initiatives and Co-founder of ReNew and Chairperson of Sustainability; Ms. Inge Buffolo, Director, European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO); and Dr. Chandrika Kaushik, Distinguished Scientist and Director General of Production Coordination and Services Interaction, DRDO, Government of India.
Highlighting the achievement, Dr. Narayana Sabhahit, Pro Vice Chancellor, Technology & Science, MAHE, said: “This recognition by CII for the second consecutive year is a strong validation of MAHE’s long-term and deeply embedded commitment to fostering gender equity in STEM. We believe that excellence in science and technology is inseparable from inclusion and diversity. Through focused policy interventions, mentorship programmes, and leadership opportunities, MAHE continues to empower women to thrive as researchers, innovators, and academic leaders, contributing meaningfully to national and global STEM ecosystems.”
Dr. Christopher Sudhakar, Director, Quality, MAHE, added: “The CII Award on Excellence for Women in STEM reflects the strength of MAHE’s quality-driven institutional culture, where inclusivity is integrated into academic governance, research practices, and performance frameworks. Our emphasis on structured support systems, transparent processes, and outcome-oriented initiatives ensures that women in STEM are not only encouraged to participate but are enabled to excel and lead. This recognition reinforces our resolve to continuously raise benchmarks in equity and institutional excellence.”
This honour underscores MAHE’s focus on building a resilient, future-ready STEM workforce by nurturing talent across genders and promoting equitable access to opportunities in education, research, and innovation.
