The Global Learning Council (GLC), based in Switzerland’s Villars Institute (VI), envisions a future in which education is democratized worldwide, focusing on emerging countries such as India, Brazil, Rwanda, and Kenya. In India, GLC and VI have collaborated with Schoolnet India, a premier organization dedicated to improving teaching and learning outcomes through technology. Using Schoolnet’s experience and broad network of 100,000 schools, the alliance aims to touch 50,000 students and teachers in its first year and 10 million students in five years.
Over the past six months, Schoolnet and GLC have jointly introduced three transformative initiatives for school students: a pan-India ideathon, capacity-building programmes for affordable private schools in collaboration with the International Baccalaureate (IB), and the development of a course on climate leadership.
On January 24, 2025, the EcoInnovators Ideathon Grand Finale was held at the India Habitat Centre in New Delhi. The competition encouraged students to identify pressing environmental challenges, such as air and water pollution or waste management, and propose innovative solutions using AI, IoT, and robotics technologies. The challenge began with participants from over 800 schools, narrowed to 100 teams who received expert mentorship through masterclasses and culminated in the top 10 teams presenting their solutions at the Grand Finale. Representing schools across diverse geographies and educational boards (IB, CBSE, and state boards), the event showcased various creative, tech-driven projects. HP sponsored the event.
Team Vanguard, represented by Shreyas Aggasare and Nakshatra from Delhi Public School Electronic City, Bengaluru, Karnataka, emerged victorious with an exceptional project, earning an opportunity to present their work at the Villars Symposium in Switzerland in June 2025, gaining global recognition. An esteemed jury comprising representatives from IIT Madras, TERI, Grok Learning, GIZ, UnconstrainED, an IB school, and New York-based Sure Start selected the winners.
The Chief Guest, Sanjay Kumar, IAS, Secretary, Department of School Education & Literacy, Government of India, praised the innovative ideas presented and emphasized the role of emerging technologies like AI and IoT in addressing global challenges. He acknowledged the power of partnerships to empower students and expressed the government’s support for scaling these initiatives.
The event witnessed participation from 250+ students from Delhi/NCR schools, who also engaged in an interactive quiz powered by Schoolnet’s AI-based classroom solution, the Geneo app. The Ideathon finalists and quiz participants also received cash prizes totalling Rs 1.5 lacs.
Dr Subra Suresh, Founder and President of the Global Learning Council, lauded Schoolnet’s leadership in implementing GLC’s vision in India. He stated:
This partnership nurtures our mission to foster planetary health using intergenerational collaboration. This Ideathon fulfills the vision of GLC and Villars Institute – nurturing the mindset of sustainability and tech-driven problem-solving among students.
Furthermore, Schoolnet, GLC, and VI announced their engagement with the IB to empower educators across schools. According to the joint communique, the International Baccalaureate (IB) seeks to cultivate inquisitive, knowledgeable, and compassionate young people who strive for a more peaceful world through international understanding and respect. To do this, the IB collaborates with educators, schools, governments, and organizations to provide high-quality international education programmes that promote critical thinking and a lifetime love of learning. This collaboration intends to bring IB curricula to private schools, conduct educator orientation seminars, and provide access to professional development opportunities.
RCM Reddy, MD and CEO of Schoolnet India Limited highlighted the alignment of these initiatives with the National Education Policy and Schoolnet’s broader vision. He remarked:
An initiative of this nature aligns with our vision to democratize education by leveraging advanced technologies. We strongly believe in creating an ecosystem of ‘glocal’ partnerships to impact 10 million students over the next five years.
Another notable event was the debut of a Climate Leadership course for Grades 6-8 students, co-developed by GLC/VI and Schoolnet. This hands-on curriculum, inspired by systems leadership and planetary boundary principles, focuses on environmental stewardship to develop future climate leaders.
Schoolnet India Limited offers a comprehensive range of services to ensure the lifelong learning and skills of schoolchildren and youth by UN SDG 4. Since 1997, the platform has been a market leader in EdTech and vocational skilling services, with a presence in 400 districts across India. It has also created unique digital and digitally-enabled solutions for learning and teaching.
