A chemistry synthesis laboratory entirely operated and led by women scientists has opened in India. 

ChemiSHE, launched by CRDMO Aragen, was inaugurated on 8 April at Aragen’s Mallapur campus in Hyderabad. 

Aragen says ChemiSHE is part of a broader strategic initiative to strengthen gender diversity across the company’s scientific workforce and create structured leadership pathways for women in pharmaceutical R&D.  

The lab will launch with an initial team of 12–14 scientists and is designed to provide greater ownership of research programmes, increase visibility of scientific contributions and accelerate progression into decision-making roles. 

“ChemiSHE is designed in line with the International Women’s Day 2026 theme of ‘Give to Gain’ – and it reflects our conviction that investing in women’s leadership multiplies innovation and scientific excellence,” said Manni Kantipudi, Managing Director & CEO of Aragen. 

“Over the next three years, we plan to add 800–1,000 women employees across scientific, operational, and leadership functions as we build a more balanced and future-ready workforce.” 

“ChemiSHE is a strong expression of the role women scientists play at Aragen and an important initiative to support the growth of women leaders,” added Aparna Reddy, former National President of FICCI FLO, who inaugurated the lab. 

“It creates an environment where women can work together, learn from one another, and grow under the mentorship of a woman leader.”