Samsung Semiconductor India Research (SSIR) inaugurates Mobile Science Labs and Science Centers to encourage STEM education in rural Karnataka
Samsung Semiconductor India Research (SSIR), one of the largest Global R&D Center for Samsung Semiconductors, inaugurated ‘three Mobile Science Labs, two Science Centers and two Mini-Innovation Hubs’ in association with Agastya International Foundation, a non-profit organization based in Bengaluru. The initiative aligns with Samsung’s commitment to empower STEM education, enable children in remote parts of the country to become catalysts of change and future innovation, while nurturing a passion for science and innovation amongst students from all backgrounds. Through this association, Samsung is dedicated to empower young minds, improving the quality of education, and fostering a nationwide culture of scientific curiosity and innovation.
The three newly inaugurated Mobile Science Labs (MSL) are mobile facilities equipped with science models and experiments that travel to under-privileged schools in remote areas. Each MSL reaches to the doorstep of remote schools with 100 plus hands-on science models covering a wide range of topics in Physics, Chemistry and Biology for students from Class V to Class IX. Students engage in hands-on learning by exploring, experimenting, and experiencing scientific concepts.
The two Science Centers, on the other hand, house over 150 science experiments and models related to chemistry, physics, biology, ecology, and astronomy. They will serve as a resource center welcoming government school teachers and children to interact with these exhibits and participate in various activities. Both MSL and the Science Center will serve as a venue for teacher training, Young Instructor (YI) programs, summer camps, community visits and science fairs.
The event was attended by 500 plus students, 30 teachers from Govt. schools and delegates from Samsung and Agastya International Foundation.
Commenting on the initiative, Balajee Sowrirajan, CVP and MD – Samsung Semiconductor India Research (SSIR), said, “With the mobile labs and science centers, our endeavour is to spark curiosity and propagate a creative temper in children and teachers through hands-on science education and teacher trainings. Our intent is to usher in a transformative impact on local rural Govt. schools and shape a future where curiosity thrives, and helps to elevate the caliber and quality of education.”
The Mobile Science Lab and Science Center program aims to provide STEM education using an interactive and sustainable learning approach that combines practical exposure with theoretical knowledge. This initiative will establish three Mobile Science Centres in Haveri, Mysore/Hunsur, and Mangalore, along with two Science Centers in Hebbal (Bengaluru) and Hunsur (Mysore). Additionally, two Mini-Innovation Hubs will also be set up in Hebbal (Bengaluru) and Hunsur (Mysore). These facilities will collectively benefit over 68 plus Govt. schools, serving a total of 8,000 unique students from tribal, rural, and urban areas every year. Through this initiative, more than 30,000 students will have the opportunity to engage in experiential learning annually.
Previously, as part of Samsung Innovation Campus (SIC), SSIR also partnered with the Government of Karnataka to enhance technological skills in Internet of Things (IOT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) for more than a thousand students and teachers in 37 polytechnic colleges across Karnataka with adequate facilities, required kits, equipment’s along with IoT and AI based training for students as per the SIC module.