Aragen, a leading global Contract Research, Development, and Manufacturing Organization (CRDMO), launched ChemiSHE—a first-of-its-kind chemistry synthesis laboratory in India that is entirely led and operated by women scientists. The facility was inaugurated at the company’s Mallapur campus in Hyderabad, marking a significant step toward inclusive scientific innovation.
Strengthening Gender Diversity in Pharma R&D
With this initiative, Aragen is actively advancing gender diversity across its scientific workforce. ChemiSHE forms part of a broader strategic vision aimed at creating structured leadership pathways for women in pharmaceutical research and development.
Initially, the lab will onboard a team of 12–14 scientists. More importantly, it is designed to empower women with greater ownership of research programmes. As a result, scientists will gain enhanced visibility for their contributions while accelerating their progression into decision-making and leadership roles.
Leadership Perspectives on ChemiSHE
Inaugurating the lab, Aparna Reddy—entrepreneur, philanthropist, and former national president of FICCI FLO—highlighted the initiative’s broader impact. She emphasized that ChemiSHE reflects the vital role women scientists play at Aragen. She noted that the lab fosters a collaborative environment where women can learn, mentor each other, and grow under strong female leadership.
Manni Kantipudi, Managing Director and CEO of Aragen, connected the initiative with the International Women’s Day 2026 theme of “Give to Gain.” He stated that investing in women’s leadership not only promotes equity but also multiplies innovation and scientific excellence. He revealed that Aragen plans to add 800–1,000 women employees over the next three years across scientific, operational, and leadership functions—further strengthening a balanced and future-ready workforce.
Scientific Leadership and Vision
The ChemiSHE laboratory will be led by Pragya Yadav, Scientific Manager, Discovery Chemistry Solutions at Aragen. Under her leadership, the lab is expected to drive high-impact research while nurturing the next generation of women leaders in chemistry.
Driving Innovation Through Inclusion
Aragen’s commitment to diversity aligns with its global standing as a leading CRDMO. The company leverages Digital and AI-driven capabilities to serve over 450 pharmaceutical and biotech clients worldwide. By integrating inclusion with innovation, Aragen continues to strengthen its position across the drug discovery, development, and manufacturing continuum.
A Step Toward Inclusive Scientific Excellence
As per the press release, the launch of ChemiSHE represents more than just a new laboratory—it signals a shift toward inclusive growth in India’s scientific ecosystem. As Aragen continues to invest in women-led initiatives, the company sets a benchmark for the industry while reinforcing the link between diversity and innovation.
