Amazon India recently launched a facility in Bengaluru that will provide “underserved” school students with accessible, hands-on learning in robotics, computing, artificial intelligence (AI), and 3D printing.
According to an official statement, Amazon Future Engineer Makerspace will “empower” more than 4,000 young innovators by 2025. The facility will work with The Innovation Story, a group comprising educators, to “provide underserved students in Classes 5 to 12 with immersive, hands-on learning experiences, nurturing their curiosity and equipping them with innovative technological skills to become future change-makers.
For beginners, there are three—to four-hour programmes to learn basic robotics and coding. Six-hour programmes, over two days, “dive deeper” into advanced robotics, programming, prototyping, and design. For the most advanced students, there are multi-month programmes. Makerspace has areas where students can build and test their robots.
Akshay Kashyap, India lead of Amazon Future Engineer Programme, said:
This facility will provide thousands of young minds with the tools, knowledge, and mentorship they need to become future innovators. We’re empowering the next generation of tech leaders by offering hands-on learning experiences in robotics, AI, and 3D printing.
Students can book online sessions with groups of up to 40 participants. Makerspace has 3D printers, lathes, power tools, electronic equipment, and kits for international competitions. Mentors and Amazon volunteers will help students develop skills in coding, problem-solving, and design.
Meenal Majumder, Founder of The Innovation Story, added:
As the knowledge partner for the Amazon Future Engineer Programme, we’ve designed specialized experiential sessions aligning with the programme’s objective to uplift students from underserved communities. We aim to equip young minds with the skills to excel in tech and AI careers.
Amazon Future Engineer is a philanthropic programme of the company that provides opportunities in computer science education to underprivileged students. The programme works with primary and high schools, guiding students to successful careers in the technology industry.
Amazon has collaborated with 11 non-profit organizations in India to provide computer science education in over 17,000 schools. The company claims Future Engineer has assisted over 2.9 million students over the last three years and educated 16,000 teachers nationwide.
