BASF, Somaiya Vidyavihar and Indian Chemical Council Highlight Progress of We-Chemie Program Since Its Inception in 2024
Mumbai, India, January 31, 2025 – BASF India, in collaboration with Somaiya Vidyavihar (SVV) and the Indian Chemical Council (ICC), proudly celebrates the progress of the We-Chemie program since its inception in 2024. This initiative, designed to empower women in chemistry, has successfully trained and recognized 135 students from underprivileged backgrounds who have embarked on promising careers in the chemical industry.
The We-Chemie program aims to bridge the gender gap in the chemical sector by providing essential knowledge, skills, and industry exposure to female students in their final year of BSc and MSc Chemistry or Chemical Sciences.
Taking place at the BASF Innovation Campus Mumbai, the certificate presentation ceremony marked the graduation of the third batch, where 60 students aged 20-23 from various parts of the country received their certificates, celebrating the achievements of these young talented women who have successfully completed the program.
"Though India produces the highest percentage of women STEM graduates in the world (40%+), their share in STEM jobs is only 14%. The We-Chemie program, a collaborative initiative by BASF and Somaiya Vidyavihar University, which prepares women chemistry graduates to pursue careers in chemistry, is a brilliant winning solution for all - industry, academia and most importantly, the students. We, at Godrej, are proud to get an industry-ready talent pool through We-Chemie," said Ms. Poonam Burman, Chief Human Resources Officer, Godrej Industries (Chemicals).
Priya Devadiga, a beneficiary of the program, reflected on her experience: "Three months ago, when I was asked about joining We-Chemie, I agreed immediately, excited to travel from Mangalore to Mumbai. During the course, we learned that along with academic knowledge, many other aspects are important in corporate life. We-Chemie taught us invaluable lessons for life, and we created many memorable moments together. I can confidently say that the quick decision we made three months ago is one of the best decisions of our lives. I would definitely consider We-Chemie as a 'Golden page of my Life.”
About BASF in India
BASF has successfully partnered India’s progress for more than 130 years. As of the end of 2023, BASF had 2,335 employees in India with 8 production sites and 40 offices throughout the country. The Innovation Campus Mumbai and the Coatings Technical Center in Mangalore are both part of BASF’s global technology platform. In 2023, BASF registered sales of approximately €2.4 billion to customers in India. Further information is available on www.basf.com/in.
About BASF
At BASF, we create chemistry for a sustainable future. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. Around 112,000 employees in the BASF Group contribute to the success of our customers in nearly all sectors and almost every country in the world. Our portfolio comprises six segments: Chemicals, Materials, Industrial Solutions, Surface Technologies, Nutrition & Care and Agricultural Solutions.
BASF generated sales of €68.9 billion in 2023. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchange in Frankfurt (BAS) and as American Depositary Receipts (BASFY) in the United States. Further information at www.basf.com.
