Nasscom and Applied Materials India bring hands-on STEM learning to Karnataka government schools

In many government schools across India, science is still taught mainly from textbooks. A new collaboration in Karnataka is trying to change that. Nasscom Foundation and Applied Materials India have jointly set up seven STEM labs in government schools in Malur, Kolar district, with a focus on hands-on learning for students from classes 8 to 12.

The initiative targets schools in tier-2 and tier-3 locations, where access to digital tools and practical STEM education remains limited. By combining infrastructure, teacher training, and student workshops, the partners aim to make science and technology more accessible and engaging for young learners.

From theory to practice in classrooms

The newly established labs are equipped with robotics kits, do-it-yourself experiment sets, table-top models, and tools for science and mathematics. These resources allow students to test physics concepts, explore basic engineering ideas, learn programming fundamentals, and experiment with design thinking.

Instead of memorising formulas, students are encouraged to build, test, and modify their ideas. The goal is simple: help learners connect classroom lessons with real-world applications and spark curiosity at an early stage.

According to Nasscom Foundation, the labs are designed to support experimentation and creativity, especially for students who may not otherwise get exposure to modern technology tools.

Training teachers for long-term impact

A key part of the program focuses on teachers. Educators from participating schools are undergoing training in STEM pedagogy, lab management, and the use of digital tools. This approach aims to improve teaching quality beyond the initial setup of the labs.

Jyoti Sharma, CEO of Nasscom Foundation, said access remains a major barrier for students from underserved communities. She noted that bringing STEM learning directly into government school classrooms helps students learn through discovery while also strengthening teacher capability.

The program follows a structured rollout. Each school undergoes an infrastructure assessment, followed by installation of equipment and furniture. Teachers attend capacity-building sessions, while students participate in workshops focused on innovation and problem-solving.

Industry connects with public education

Applied Materials India sees the collaboration as part of its broader effort to link technology leadership with community impact. Speaking at the inauguration of a STEM lab at GJC Girls School, Avi Avula, President of Applied Materials India, highlighted the importance of strong STEM foundations for India’s future innovation pipeline.

He said the initiative helps students, especially in smaller cities, imagine themselves as future engineers, scientists, and problem solvers. The focus, he added, is on widening access, building confidence, and nurturing talent that can contribute to India’s technology ecosystem.

Measuring progress beyond setup

The initiative also includes continuous monitoring and on-ground support. An online system tracks lab usage, activities, and learning outcomes, helping partners measure participation and progress over time.

Organisers expect the program to increase student interest in STEM subjects, improve problem-solving skills, and raise awareness of potential career pathways. By working with robotics kits and emerging technologies, students are encouraged to think critically and develop solutions to everyday challenges.

As India pushes for a stronger science and technology workforce, efforts like this show how partnerships between industry and nonprofit organisations can strengthen public education, one classroom at a time.