New Delhi, March 01 : BMW India Foundation has partnered with Smile Foundation to introduce an innovative STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education program across Delhi NCR. The initiative, launched in February 2025, will benefit over 2,500 students each year, focusing on underprivileged communities. It will be implemented in 25 schools across Delhi, Noida, Greater Noida, Ghaziabad, Faridabad, and Gurugram, including five government-aided institutions and 20 community schools in low-income areas.
The program takes a dual approach to STEM education: establishing advanced laboratories in government-aided schools and deploying ‘STEM on Wheels’ mobile labs to reach students in smaller community schools. These labs will be equipped with state-of-the-art learning tools, including concept demonstration apparatus, digital devices, robotic models, and comprehensive educational kits.
“BMW India Foundation is committed to empowering young minds through education and innovation. This STEM learning initiative is a step toward bridging the skills gap in our communities,” said Vikram Pawah, President and CEO, BMW Group India. “By providing top-tier labs and mobile STEM education, we aim to foster creativity and problem-solving abilities in students, preparing them for a technology-driven future while ensuring greater inclusivity in STEM fields.”
A key feature of the program is its solar-powered mobile lab, equipped with a 1,500-watt solar panel to enable learning in areas with limited electricity access. Additionally, the initiative will include workshops, an annual science fair, and innovation challenges to engage and inspire students.
Aligned with India’s National Education Policy, which prioritizes STEM education as a foundation for critical thinking and problem-solving, the program aims to address the existing skills gap. STEM careers are vital to economic growth, yet many positions remain unfilled due to a shortage of trained professionals. The challenge is particularly significant in low-income communities and among women, who represent only 30% of engineering and technology graduates in India. By targeting underserved populations, BMW India Foundation seeks to enhance diversity in STEM fields.
This initiative complements BMW Group’s ongoing collaboration with UNICEF under the global “BRIDGE: Educating Young People for Tomorrow, Today” program. Launched in India in 2024, this partnership aims to provide quality STEM education to 100,000 children across Assam, Jharkhand, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal.
