Sitharaman Launches CSR Project to Set Up AI, STEM and Robotics Labs in Karnataka Government Schools

Hosapete (Karnataka), December 20: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday launched a new Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative aimed at strengthening technology education in government schools across Karnataka. The project focuses on setting up artificial intelligence (AI), STEM and robotics laboratories to help students gain early exposure to future-ready skills. The initiative, called Cyient AI Labs (CyAILS) – VijAIpatha, was launched in Hosapete taluka of the Hampi region. It is a CSR-led national programme designed to make advanced technology education accessible to students studying in government schools, especially in rural and semi-urban areas. As part of the pilot phase, five government schools in the region will receive world-class AI, STEM and robotics labs. According to the Office of the Finance Minister, each lab will be equipped with high-performance computers, AI-enabled software, robotics kits, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, sensors and secure broadband connectivity. These facilities are expected to create a modern learning environment that matches global education standards. The project aims to address the growing gap between private and public school access to advanced technology. By bringing such labs into government schools, the programme seeks to ensure that students from all backgrounds get equal opportunities to learn and grow in emerging fields. VijAIpatha is aligned with key national priorities, including the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the Digital India mission and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. It also integrates the Central Board of Secondary Education’s AI curriculum, helping schools adopt technology-based learning in a structured and practical way. The programme introduces students to AI, robotics and STEM subjects at the school level, helping them develop digital skills at an early age. It focuses on building computational thinking, problem-solving abilities and creativity, which are essential for future careers. Students will be encouraged to explore real-world applications of technology rather than only learning theory. Apart from students, teachers also play a key role in the success of the initiative. Under VijAIpatha, more than 200 teachers will receive specialised training to effectively use the new labs and teach technology-driven subjects. This training will help educators stay updated with modern teaching tools and methods, ensuring better learning outcomes for students. The initiative is expected to benefit over 2,000 students in its initial phase. By improving access to digital education, the project aims to prepare students for higher education and future employment opportunities in technology-driven sectors. Officials said VijAIpatha has been designed as a scalable model. This means it can be expanded to other districts in Karnataka and later to other states, in partnership with education departments and CSR contributors. The programme is expected to serve as a model for similar CSR efforts across the country. By focusing on grassroots-level education, the project aims to empower students who may otherwise have limited exposure to advanced technology. It also supports the broader goal of creating a skilled and digitally confident workforce for India’s future. The launch of VijAIpatha highlights the growing role of CSR initiatives in supporting public education. With the involvement of industry and government, such programmes can help bridge learning gaps and bring meaningful change to government schools. With this initiative, the government and corporate sector have taken a step toward ensuring that technology education is not limited to a few, but reaches students across regions and backgrounds—proving that the future of innovation can begin right inside a government classroom. Sitharaman Launches CSR Project to Set Up AI, STEM and Robotics Labs in Karnataka Government Schools Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has launched a new Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative to bring advanced technology education to government schools in Karnataka. The project, named Cyient AI Labs (CyAILS) – VijAIpatha, was launched in Hosapete taluka of the Hampi region and focuses on developing artificial intelligence (AI), STEM and robotics laboratories for students studying in public schools. Under the pilot phase, five government schools will be equipped with modern, world-class labs. These labs will include high-performance computers, AI-ready software, robotics kits, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, sensors and secure broadband connectivity. The aim is to give students hands-on learning experience and exposure to future technologies from an early stage. The VijAIpatha programme is aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the Digital India mission and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. It also integrates the CBSE AI curriculum, helping schools adopt technology-enabled learning in a practical and structured way. Focused mainly on rural and semi-urban areas, the initiative seeks to reduce the gap between private and government schools in access to modern education tools. It encourages students to develop digital skills, computational thinking, creativity and problem-solving abilities that are essential for future careers. The project is expected to benefit more than 2,000 students and provide training to over 200 teachers. Teachers will receive support and guidance to effectively use the labs and teach advanced concepts in a simple and engaging manner. Designed as a scalable model, VijAIpatha can be expanded to other districts and states in collaboration with education departments. The initiative highlights how CSR efforts can play a key role in strengthening public education and preparing students for a technology-driven future—starting right from their classrooms.