Lenovo India and Motorola Mobility launch digital skills program in Indian schools

Lenovo India and Motorola Mobility have partnered with Indian-based edtech nonprofit Musakaan Dreams to upskill students in public schools across Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, through a program called Innovators of Tomorrow.

As part of the pilot phase, Internet of Things (IoT) labs will be set up in 20 participating schools to teach students problem solving, critical thinking, adaptability and ICT literacy skills, including computer science, coding, AI and machine learning. ย 

According to Lenovo, the program will provide students in grades six to eight with computer knowledge and hands-on coding experience through a phased curriculum, starting with foundational computer education and basic programming in the first year before progressing to advanced coding in the second year.

โ€œWith Indiaโ€™s digital economy set to create millions of new jobs by 2025, initiatives like โ€˜Innovators of Tomorrowโ€™ are crucial to equipping the next generation with future-ready skills,โ€ said Lenovo Asia Pacific CSR and Philanthropy Head Pratima Harite.

โ€œBy introducing coding, AI, and digital literacy during critical learning years, we aim to inspire young minds towards STEM careers and ensure equitable access to quality education.โ€

Teacher training by AI chatbot

Under the program, teachers will also receive hands-on training through an AI chatbot to support in-classroom teaching.

Lenovo India described the program as a two-pronged approach.

โ€œEarly exposure to STEM disciplines helps develop logical thinking, analytical skills, and curiosity will help laying the foundation for informed educational and career choices. Furthermore, the program equips teachers with advanced digital pedagogy, fostering a robust and sustained learning environment,โ€ the company explained.

The program algins with Indiaโ€™s National Education Policy 2021, which promotes technology integration and experiential learning in schools for students and teachers across the country.

The companies stated the pilot program will impact over 5,000 students across the participating schools, with plans to further expand the program to additional regions in coming years.

โ€œIn a rapidly evolving digital era, the initiative strives to bridge the digital divide, empowering underprivileged students with the tools to innovate, adapt, and thrive. By nurturing these essential skills, the program prepares young minds to overcome challenges and seize opportunities in an increasingly competitive and technology-driven future,โ€ said Muskaan Dreams Founder Abhishek Dubey.

According to Indiaโ€™s Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, Indiaโ€™s digital sector is projected to double by 2025, and will create up to 65 million jobs, including specialised roles in AI and data science.

You might also be interested in:

Aimee Chanthadavong
Aimee Chanthadavong

Aimee Chanthadavong has been a journalist, editor and content producer for more than a decade. During that time she's covered enterprise technology for premium websites such as ZDNet and InnovationAus as well as food and travel for Broadsheet and SBS.