Girls in Pune Take the Lead: New STEM Innovation Lab Empowers Future Tech Stars
The future of technology is getting a brighter and more inclusive glow, especially for girls in Pune, Maharashtra. The Renuka Swarup Memorial Girls’ High School has recently taken a giant leap forward by inaugurating a state-of-the-art STEM Innovation Lab called the “Robo Shiksha Kendra.” Launched on September 24, 2025, this dynamic and fully equipped lab is a beacon of hope that promises to empower young girls by providing immersive, hands-on learning experiences in robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), electronics, and coding.
Breaking Barriers in STEM for Girls
STEM education has long been male-dominated globally, with girls often facing financial and social barriers to access advanced technology education. According to statistics, nearly 59% of girls discontinue STEM studies due to such obstacles. The Robo Shiksha Kendra directly addresses these challenges by offering equitable access to futuristic tools and mentorship within a nurturing school environment. This innovative lab is not just about providing access to technology but about instilling confidence and fostering curiosity among female students from classes 6 to 9.
Kamladevi Awate, the State Deputy Director of SCERT, along with Sudhanshu Sharma, founder and director of the India STEM Foundation, were present at the inauguration. This initiative was made possible through the collaboration of the India STEM Foundation under the CSR program “Educate to Empower,” supported by companies committed to creating an inclusive STEM ecosystem.
Hands-On Learning with Future Technologies
The lab is stocked with a wide array of advanced equipment—robotics kits, AI modules, electronic sensors, and coding platforms—allowing students to experiment, create, and innovate. This tactile approach to education enhances problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and creativity. The girls won’t merely learn theory; they will gain real-world skills that will prepare them for future careers in technology, engineering, and research.
An impactful example of the lab’s success is the team “Future Femmes,” comprising three motivated students who recently qualified for the national round of the World Robot Olympiad in Hyderabad. Their project, “AmritDarpan,” an AI and IoT-based system for monitoring and improving water quality, was selected from among 293 teams nationwide. Such achievements highlight how the lab is a launchpad for exceptional talent and innovation.
Teachers as Catalysts of Change
Equally important is the lab’s commitment to teacher empowerment. Structured and ongoing STEM training sessions are organised to equip educators with the pedagogical tools needed to inspire students and effectively use technological resources. This dual focus of student learning and teacher development ensures a sustainable model of excellence that will continue to grow within the school and beyond.
A Part of India’s Larger Vision
This lab in Pune is part of the wider “Educate to Empower” initiative that has already established six STEM Innovation Labs across India by 2025, benefiting over 4,700 students. The program aligns with India’s national vision of “Viksit Bharat,” aiming to democratize access to quality STEM education and nurture a generation capable of driving innovation and inclusive growth.
Monika Walia, Head of CSR at GlobalLogic, emphasised that “By embedding advanced STEM education in underserved schools, we are addressing access gaps and cultivating the next generation of innovators who will drive India’s inclusive growth.” This initiative embodies hope and opportunity for young girls who have the potential to redefine India’s technological landscape.
Empowering the Innovators of Tomorrow
The launch of the Robo Shiksha Kendra at Renuka Swarup Memorial Girls’ High School is more than just the opening of a lab; it is a transformative opportunity that will inspire, empower, and equip girls to chase their passions in STEM fields. It stands as a bold step toward gender equality in technology education, fostering a community where young female tech stars can flourish and contribute significantly to society.
The journey has just begun for these young innovators in Pune. With continuous support, resources, and encouragement, there is every reason to believe that the future of STEM in India will shine brighter with a significant presence of talented, ambitious, and empowered girls.
