IBM has launched a program which aims at sponsoring talented engineering students from various leading technical institutes of India. The program also aims at encouraging further researchers in the region. 

"The IBM Blue Scholar Program is aimed at growing that rare talent that blooms in a scientifically challenging atmosphere," said Dr. Manish Gupta, associate director, IBM India Research Laboratory.

Graduates from the ongoing academic year will be eligible for the program. The company has already started search for talented students. The trainees under the program will be called The Blue Scholars, who will work closely with the IBM worldwide research teams. 

The target would be to further enhance the talent of these graduates. The training appointments would be for an initial period of two years.

"We are targeting the brightest students from India who will be exposed to exciting research environment, given opportunities to do leading edge, impactful work with guidance from senior researchers, and will be encouraged to pursue a career in scientific and technological research," Mr. Gupta added.

After the completion of the two year appointment , the Blue Scholars could be offered a regular job with IBM Research, enrollment in Employee PhD program, conversion to Research Staff Member upon completion of PhD, or the option of pursuing other opportunities outside IBM.