Karnataka pushes for ‘scientific and experiential learning’ among youth, with focus on ‘spirit of innovation’

Bengaluru: In a major initiative to foster scientific curiosity and promote experiential learning at the grassroots, the Karnataka government is taking steps to establish Innovation Labs in over 60 residential schools across the state, N.S. Boseraju, Minister for Minor Irrigation, Science, and Technology, recently said.

He made this announcement while inaugurating the National Science Day celebrations, organized by the Department of Science and Technology at the Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium.

Elaborating on the government’s push to draw rural students towards advanced technology, Boseraju stated that both Nehru Stream Labs and Innovation Labs were being rolled out statewide.

In a strategic collaboration with the Kalyana Karnataka Region Development Board (KKRDB), novel Nehru Stream Labs are being set up in Karnataka Public Schools (KPS) across the Kalyana Karnataka region.

Furthermore, under the SCSP/TSP grants for the 2025-26 academic year, Rs. 6 crore has been allocated to build Innovation Labs in over 60 residential schools.

“Science must become an integral part of improving everyday life. Driven by our vision of Science for All and Easy Science, we aim to instill a strong scientific temper among students right from their school days,” the Minister stated.

“To move beyond rote textbook learning and encourage activity-based education, we are building Nehru Stream Labs in the Kalyana Karnataka region and Innovation Labs in backward-class residential schools. This will significantly help in sparking an interest in innovation and future technologies among our rural students,” he added.

Speaking at the event, Minister for School Education, Madhu Bangarappa, urged students to cultivate a scientific mindset and nurture their curiosity to make new discoveries.

Echoing similar sentiments, Higher Education Minister Dr. M.C. Sudhakar advised students to minimize mobile phone use and instead focus on reading and sports.

He called upon the youth to effectively utilize the opportunities provided by the government to drive new innovations.

During the event, former ISRO chairman Dr. A.S. Kiran Kumar administered a science pledge to the children.

Minister for IT-BT Priyank Kharge and senior officials were present on the occasion.