Empowering rural students with digital skills through mobile STEM labs
Education is a powerful catalyst for change, but for many students in rural India, accessing quality education feels like a distant dream. Infosys is transforming this reality with its innovative initiative, Infosys Springboard Maker Lab on Wheels, designed to bridge the educational divide and take learning to the doorsteps of rural learners.
Bringing STEM Education to the doorstep
Launched as part of connecting the unconnected through Infosys Springboard, the Infosys Springboard Maker Lab on Wheels revolutionizes learning by transforming how underrepresented learners experience Industry 4.0 through hands-on experiments & proof of concepts applying digital solutions to real-world problems. Designed to ignite curiosity and empower growth, the program inspires students aged 10 to 22 while equipping lifelong learners with the skills and opportunities to thrive at every stage of their journey.
At its core, the Infosys Springboard Maker Lab on Wheels is a fully equipped mobile classroom on a mission to reach India’s remotest corners, ensuring no student is left behind due to accessibility barriers. The lab’s flexible design and innovative tools directly address the inequities preventing students in rural areas from benefiting equally from digital opportunities.
A hands-on learning experience
The Infosys Springboard Maker Lab on Wheels does more than transport a classroom. It brings an interactive, hands-on learning experience to students who may have never had access to such advanced tools and platforms. Each lab is outfitted with cutting-edge Industry 4.0 STEM kits, including a robust 3D printer, laptops, and internet connectivity.
Under the guidance of a qualified trainer, students engage in practical experiments that introduce them to key foundational technologies shaping the digital revolution. These activities span various projects, including basic electronics, microcontroller-based coding, robotics, precision systems, and bot-based applications. This approach inspires curiosity while building critical new skills needed for the jobs of tomorrow. The prerequisites and the experiment instructions/demo are available in English and selected regional languages to help students understand the details well.
Accessibility in every way
One of the program’s most remarkable features is its commitment to inclusivity. Bringing cutting-edge learning tools to underserved communities ensures that language is no longer a barrier to education. The program delivers content in English and regional languages such as Kannada, Tamil, Hindi, and Telugu, allowing learners to engage with material in the language they know best. Moreover, 40% of the learners empowered through this initiative are women, underscoring the program’s dedication to fostering equal opportunities and driving meaningful societal change.
Each mobile classroom accommodates up to 20 students at a time, with learners divided into smaller groups of five. This structure guarantees each student personalized attention and access to digital learning kits and tablets. The students do multiple experiments, ensuring that the session is not just a visit but a valuable learning experience. In addition, they get to learn complimentary courses on the Infosys Springboard platform using the devices on the bus.
Security hasn’t been overlooked, either. With CCTV coverage and a dedicated team, including a driver, helper, security personnel, and trainer, the mobile labs safeguard the learning environment for all participants.
Reaching remote communities
The Infosys Springboard Maker Lab on Wheels spans multiple states in India, including Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Goa and Uttarakhand. It is sparking meaningful change at the grassroots by prioritizing rural and underserved areas such as Harali, Mangalagiri, Ghaziabad, Pollachi, Chengalpattu, Kollegal, Kolar, and Chamarajanagar. This initiative is their first encounter with collaborative, tech-enabled education for many students in these communities, opening doors to new opportunities and nurturing a future-ready generation.
Seeing their work come to life in real time is a game-changer for students performing experiments. Learning transitions from abstract concepts to tangible, impactful experiences that build confidence and foster curiosity.
Building a brighter future
By intertwining technology and education, the Maker Lab on Wheels initiative doesn’t just teach STEM; it also nurtures a mindset of innovation and problem-solving in young learners. This approach ensures that students in the most remote areas or bustling metropolitan cities have equal opportunities to dream big and succeed.
The skills gained through this initiative prepare learners to engage effectively with the digital economy and pave the way for a brighter and more equitable future for all.
Driving change through access and innovation
The Infosys Springboard Maker Lab on Wheels transforms education by directly bringing technology and learning to underserved communities. This mobile lab fosters creativity and equips young minds to innovate, regardless of distance or terrain.
It’s not just education on wheels—it’s a mission to close the digital divide and create a nation of problem-solvers and critical thinkers. Every mile, stop, and student reached is paving the way for a future where opportunity knows no boundaries.
