Mumbai, India, 19 February 2025: More than 100 teams from over 35 BMC schools participated in RoboRise 2025, an event organized under Project Udaan, an initiative by The Innovation Story. Held at Nita Mukesh Ambani Junior School, the event showcased the transformative impact of STEM education in municipal schools, where many students have limited exposure to STEM education.
Over the past year, Project Udaan has provided more than 100,000 student contact hours, with 50% of participants being girls. The program provides students with digital literacy and robotics skills, giving those who have never had access to a laptop the opportunity to learn and engage in STEM education. Through initiatives like RoboRise, it has empowered students from government schools to engage with robotics, coding, and other STEM disciplines, enhancing their potential for future opportunities in tech-driven industries.
Ramanan Ramanathan, Chairperson National Expert Advisory Council and Department of Science & Technology, Government of India attended as the Chief Guest and praised the initiative, saying, “It’s inspiring to see students not just learning about technology but applying it to solve real-world problems. Projects like smart helmets for accident prevention and assistive tools for workers show how these young minds are thinking beyond textbooks. By fostering innovation and problem-solving skills early on, The Innovation Story is not only shaping future technologists but also nurturing young entrepreneurs who will drive change in their communities. Encouraging students to think critically, build solutions, and even prototype their ideas prepares them to become job creators rather than just job seekers.”
The event featured two key competitions: Ludo Showdown, where students built robotic cars from scratch and 100+ teams participated in a friendly competition, and The Innovation Challenge, where 80+ teams developed prototypes to tackle real-world issues from the learnings they had through our STEM education program. Notable projects included a fire-sensing neck belt, a smart hygienic toilet, and advanced safety gear for workers, showcasing the students’ ability to apply STEM concepts to practical challenges.
Meenal Majumder, founder of The Innovation Story, emphasized the need for greater accessibility in STEM education. “Our goal with Project Udaan is to break these barriers and create opportunities for every child, regardless of their background. When students engage with technology hands-on, they don’t just learn—they innovate, solve problems, and even think like entrepreneurs. We are committed to nurturing a generation that doesn’t just consume technology but creates it. With Project Udaan we’ve designed specialized experiential sessions aligning with the program’s objective to uplift students from underserved communities. We aim to equip young minds with the skills to excel in tech and AI careers, ensuring that they don’t just learn about technology but actively shape the future with their innovations.”
Supported by Tata Capital, Boston Consulting Group (BCG), and Rent Alpha Pvt. Ltd., RoboRise 2025 was students’ first hands-on experience with advanced technology. The Innovation Story is working to bridge the gap between privilege and opportunity, ensuring that every child, regardless of background, has access to the tools needed to thrive in a tech-driven world. Through Project Udaan, with a team of 20+ mentors the initiative is making these opportunities more accessible to students across India, contributing to the development of future innovators.
