STEMROBO Co-Founders Discuss Why AI Education Matters

In this interview, Rajeev Tiwari and Anurag Gupta, co-founders of STEMROBO Technologies, discuss their efforts to integrate AI and science education into the Indian K-12 curriculum to meet the growing demand for AI-skilled professionals.

They highlight how STEMROBO equips students with future-ready skills through innovative programs, hands-on learning, and AI-powered tools, impacting over 1.5 million students in 3,500 schools.

The discussion covers the urgent need for AI education at the grassroots level, the challenges in implementing these programmes in different regions of India and strategies to address these challenges.

Fragments:

Building the Next Generation of Workers: How STEMROBO Integrates AI Education into Schools

How is STEMROBO Technologies positioning itself to meet the growing demand for AI-skilled professionals in the Indian tech sector?

STEMROBO Technologies is positioning itself to meet the growing demand for AI-skilled professionals in India by integrating AI and robotics education into the K-12 curriculum. Having already implemented these programs in over 3,500 schools and impacted 1.5 million students, STEMROBO is equipping young minds with the necessary skills for the future.

Through hands-on learning, innovative projects, and AI-powered tools, students gain hands-on experience that prepares them for advanced technology roles. STEMROBO’s focus on fostering creativity and problem-solving ensures that students are not just technology users but innovators, ready to contribute to India’s rapidly growing technology ecosystem.

Could you tell me more about the specific AI and science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) curricula you offer to K-12 students and how these programs prepare them for their future careers?

STEMROBO offers AI and STEM educational programs that include a robotics and AI-based curriculum and DIY kits, an integrated coding platform such as AI Connect, designed specifically for K-12 students. These programs cover age-appropriate topics such as machine learning, STEAM concepts, and robotics, enabling students to develop practical AI skills from an early age.

Through hands-on projects and coding exercises in AI Connect, students not only learn core AI concepts, but also develop problem-solving and critical thinking skills. This experiential learning approach equips students with the knowledge and skills needed for future careers in AI, technology, and innovation.

Why is there an urgent need to integrate AI education at the primary level in Indian schools? How does this relate to the growing demand for AI engineers in the country?

Integrating AI education at the primary level in Indian schools is crucial to meet the growing demand for over 1 million AI-savvy technical engineers expected by 2030. As AI continues to revolutionise industries, there is an urgent need to equip students with the right skills from a young age.

STEMROBO addresses this need through a K-16 approach, offering a progressive curriculum from kindergarten to B.Tech/M.Sc. level. By training master trainers and providing comprehensive training to teachers and students, STEMROBO ensures that students are well-prepared for high-demand AI roles, helping to bridge the skill gap and meet industry needs.

What are the major challenges you face while implementing AI education at the primary level in Indian schools and how do you address them?

STEMROBO addresses several significant challenges, such as the resistance to change and implementation of new technologies in traditional educational environments, where both teachers and students want to stick to conventional teaching methods.

In urban and rural areas of Tier 2 and 3, there is a lack of awareness of STEAM programs and in-demand skills such as robotics and AI, so we always challenge them to make them aware of 21^saint 20th century skills, and there is also a disparity in infrastructure.

While urban areas may have access to high-speed Internet and modern computer labs, many rural regions still lack basic technological infrastructure, making it difficult to provide consistent and high-quality AI education.

Another challenge is the resistance to change and implementation of new technologies in traditional educational environments, where both teachers and students may be accustomed to conventional teaching methods.

Despite these challenges, integrating AI education presents significant opportunities. AI education can bridge the digital divide by equipping students with skills that are highly relevant in today’s job market, thereby increasing employment and economic opportunities in underserved regions. It also fosters a culture of innovation and critical thinking among students, encouraging them to become creators of technology, not just consumers.

Additionally, integrating AI education can lead to the development of local AI solutions tailored to address specific regional issues such as agriculture, healthcare, and local governance, resulting in community-specific progress.

How has AI changed the technology landscape in India, especially in the context of startups and established enterprises?

AI has significantly changed the technology landscape in India, driving innovation and efficiency in both startups and established enterprises. Startups are using AI to create cutting-edge solutions in areas such as healthcare, fintech and education, disrupting traditional models and offering personalized, data-driven services.

Established companies are integrating AI to optimize operations, improve customer experiences, and develop new products. This transformation has led to a surge in investment in AI-based ventures, with the AI ​​market in India expected to reach $7.8 billion by 2025. Widespread adoption of AI not only strengthens the technology ecosystem but also positions India as a global leader in AI innovation.

How does STEMROBO solve the problem of the competence gap between the current education system and the requirements of the AI ​​industry?

STEMROBO addresses the skill gap between the current education system and AI industry requirements through its comprehensive K-16 approach. By integrating AI education into the curriculum from kindergarten to B.Tech/M.Sc level, STEMROBO ensures that students gradually acquire the necessary AI skills.

They provide AI-based DIY kits, the AI ​​Connect coding platform, and industry-standard hands-on projects. In addition, STEMROBO trains master trainers and offers extensive professional development for teachers, equipping them with the latest AI technologies. This approach bridges the gap by preparing students with the practical knowledge and skills needed for high-demand AI roles.

What will be the broader economic impact of developing a workforce proficient in AI and advanced technologies on India’s economic growth path?

Preparing a workforce proficient in AI and advanced technologies has a significant economic impact on India’s growth trajectory. By 2030, AI could contribute $957 billion to India’s GDP, significantly boosting economic growth.

A skilled workforce in AI and related technologies can drive innovation, increase productivity and attract global investment. As India’s AI capabilities expand, it can lead emerging industries, create high-value jobs and become more competitive globally. With AI-based solutions improving sectors like healthcare, agriculture and manufacturing, the broader economic benefits include increased efficiency, reduced costs and improved quality of life.