Soumya Teotia Wins Progress' Third Annual Akanksha Scholarship

By: WE Staff | Thursday, 12 October 2023

Progress, a trusted provider of application development and infrastructure software, has proudly revealed Soumya Teotia as the recipient of the third annual Progress Software Akanksha Scholarship for Women in STEM in India. This scholarship is part of the company's broader Women in STEM Scholarship series, aimed at fostering greater global representation of women in fields related to computer science, software engineering, IT, and computer information systems in Bulgaria, India, and the United States.

For the year 2023, Soumya Teotia is the proud recipient of the Akanksha Scholarship. Soumya is currently enrolled in a 5-year dual-degree program in computer science and mathematics at BITS Pilani in Hyderabad, India. Her path towards STEM was guided by a lifelong curiosity about the world, with a particular focus on machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI).

She has already achieved significant milestones, including securing an internship with the National Informatics Centre (NIC), where she led various projects related to machine learning, web development, data structures, and algorithms. She was also honoured with a bronze award from the International Award for Young People (IAYP), issued by The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Association.

Speaking about her aspirations, Soumya Teotia shared, "I am determined to explore the fields of machine learning and AI to the fullest extent. I hope to contribute to the development of novel applications, advancing the boundaries of technology and its potential to improve lives. Through the use of ML and AI, I want to create solutions that can have a meaningful impact on society."

In addition to her academic achievements, Soumya is actively involved in her community. She volunteers with the National Service Scheme (NSS) and is a member of Enactus BITS Hyderabad, a network of leaders dedicated to using business as a catalyst for positive social impact.

Progress CEO Yogesh Gupta expressed the company's commitment to diversifying the tech industry by selecting scholarship recipients in India for the third consecutive year. Soumya Teotia's passion for STEM and her commitment to helping others align well with the goals of the scholarship program.

The Progress Software Akanksha Scholarship for Women in STEM is a four-year renewable scholarship designed to cover tuition, fees, and educational expenses for Indian women pursuing undergraduate degrees in computer science, software engineering, IT, and computer information systems.

The name "Akanksha" translates to "aspire" in Sanskrit, embodying the spirit of seeking progress and overcoming challenges with determination. This scholarship is a step toward making the STEM fields more inclusive and diverse, ensuring that talented women like Soumya can thrive and contribute to the industry's growth.