Women Who Pioneer: A Sit-Down With Priyanka Gulati
Women Who Pioneer:
A Sit-Down With Priyanka Gulati
Build your confidence early, stay curious, and be assertive about your goals.
Priyanka Gulati – FhG
Senior Developer & Product Manager
What is your current role in PIONEER?
I coordinate the work package Virtual Engineering Workflows. My goal is to build connected workflows using standardized data formats like VMAP, so engineering teams can work more efficiently across tools and disciplines.
What was the biggest challenge you had to overcome in your career path, or what do you feel has been the most important lesson you’ve learned?
My biggest challenge was deciding to leave my role as a CAE fatigue engineer and move into a position focused on end-to-end manufacturing processes. It wasn’t an easy step — I was deeply specialised, and it meant shifting from industry to research.
But it taught me an important lesson: your career grows when you’re willing to step into roles that stretch you beyond your comfort zone.
Beyond your work in digital manufacturing, you are also an advocate for women in technology. How do you contribute to this cause and support women in developing their leadership potential?
I’m a strong advocate for Women in Science, and a big part of that is helping women step into leadership with confidence. At Fraunhofer SCAI, I serve as the Deputy Equal Opportunities Officer, where I work to create structures and policies that allow women to grow into leadership roles — regardless of their background, personal responsibilities, or career stage. Leadership shouldn’t depend on circumstances; it should depend on capability and support.
I also believe leadership development needs to start early. That’s why I mentor young girls through the CyberMentor Program. We focus not just on STEM skills, but on building confidence, decision-making, and a sense of ownership over their career paths. When young women see themselves as leaders early on, they stay on that trajectory.
My goal in both roles is the same: to create an environment where women don’t just enter STEM — they stay, lead, and shape it.
What advice would you give to young women who aspire to build a career in science and technology?
Build your confidence early, stay curious, and be assertive about your goals. Your voice and your ideas matter — own them.
