STEM on Wheels Launched on National Science Day to Boost Girls’ Access to STEM Education
Pune, 4th March 2026: Marking National Science Day, SLB Pune, in partnership with Thinksharp Foundation, inaugurated “STEM on Wheels,” a mobile science laboratory designed to expand access to quality STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education, particularly for girls in infrastructure-constrained local schools.
The initiative was formally launched in the presence of SLB’s leadership team and board members. Among those present were Global Head and IT Centers Director Abuzar Manager, STSI Manager Amit Yadav, PuTC Manager Jayesh Prajapati, Finance Head Dheeraj Gupta, Global Manufacturing and TLM Director Ives Loretz, and Global Supply HR Manager Ana Maria Mora Cano. The project is being driven by SLB Pune’s CSR team and employees under the leadership of CSR Head Riya Khanduri.
Addressing Infrastructure Gaps
Many local schools lack functional laboratories and digital learning tools, limiting students’ exposure to practical science education. Educators say such gaps disproportionately affect girls, who often encounter additional social and systemic challenges in pursuing STEM careers.
The STEM on Wheels initiative seeks to bridge this divide by taking a fully equipped mobile laboratory directly to schools. In its first phase, the programme will cover 12 schools and is expected to benefit around 1,200 students.
The mobile lab will provide curriculum-aligned hands-on science experiments, introductory robotics and coding modules, interactive demonstrations, facilitated learning sessions, and career awareness interactions focused on STEM pathways.
CSR and Inclusive Education
SLB leadership members present at the event emphasised that access to quality education is critical for long-term social and economic development. They highlighted that the initiative forms an integral part of the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategy focused on inclusive growth and community development.
The programme aligns with broader national priorities on scientific innovation and contributes to global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including Quality Education (SDG 4), Gender Equality (SDG 5), and Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure (SDG 9).
Inspiring Future Aspirations
Beyond providing laboratory equipment, organisers said the initiative aims to foster curiosity, build confidence and widen career aspirations among students from underserved communities. Early exposure to practical science and technology, they noted, can significantly influence academic decisions and future career choices.
As the mobile laboratory begins visiting schools, the initiative is expected to not only improve access to scientific tools but also encourage greater participation of girls in STEM education, reinforcing SLB’s focus on people, technology and performance.
