Education
Birla Open Minds makes a smart move with hands-on STEM spark in schools
MUMBAI: Plug in and play on! Birla Open Minds is rebooting the way students learn, swapping rote memorisation for robotics and chalkboards for circuits. In a bid to prepare students for the tech-first world, the education group has joined hands with Centrado Tech Solutions to roll out a structured, future-focused STEM programme across its schools.
The initiative will bring hands-on learning in Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and Robotics into classrooms turning students into creators, not just consumers of technology. Aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP), the curriculum is designed for all grades and will use co-branded STEM kits and interactive digital platforms to make science and technology more accessible and far more fun.
Birla Open Minds managing director Nirvaan Birla said, “At Birla Open Minds, we are committed to shaping the leaders of tomorrow by providing an education that keeps pace with the evolving world. This collaboration with Centrado is a testament to our vision of fostering innovation and excellence in learning. By integrating hands-on STEM education into our curriculum, we are ensuring that our students don’t just keep up with technological advancements but become the pioneers of the future.”
Centrado, known for its immersive STEAM-based learning ecosystem, will supply more than just tech. The programme includes teacher training, onboarding support, video-led learning, and real-time assessments, ensuring seamless integration and sustained impact.
Centrado Tech Solutions Pvt. Ltd founder & managing director Anuradha added, “Centrado is proud to collaborate with Birla Open Minds in shaping the future of education through STEM. Our goal is to spark curiosity and enhance problem-solving abilities among students. By integrating AI, IoT, and Robotics, we are enabling the next generation to think critically and embrace technological advancements with confidence.”
What sets the programme apart is its dual model of learning. Students will dive into collaborative, project-based learning in school, while also exploring real-world concepts independently at home. The idea is to give them both structure and freedom, a potent mix for sparking innovation.
In a world where algorithms are shaping everything from playlists to policies, this collaboration aims to shape the next generation of problem-solvers who can code, construct, and creatively navigate complexity. For the students of Birla Open Minds, STEM is no longer just an acronym, it’s a way of thinking.
Education
Internshala launches 6 founder-led internships with stipends up to Rs 50,000
Intern With Icon offers direct access to top founders, mentorship and hands-on roles
MUMBAI: Internshala, an upGrad company, has launched a new initiative titled “Intern With Icon”, offering six students a chance to work directly with some of India’s most recognisable founders and faces from Shark Tank India.
The programme brings together a high-profile line-up including Vineeta Singh, Varun Alagh, Peyush Bansal, Namita Thapar, Kunal Bahl and Aman Gupta. One intern will be selected to work with each founder, gaining hands-on exposure across business functions along with direct mentorship.
The internships come with stipends ranging from Rs 30,000 to Rs 50,000, along with a one-on-one session with the assigned founder. Applications open on April 27 and close on May 10, with final selections to be announced on May 18. The internship will run from May 27 to July 31, 2026.
Unlike traditional programmes, the initiative is degree-agnostic and focuses on potential rather than pedigree. Candidates are expected to demonstrate curiosity, adaptability and problem-solving skills, with basic familiarity in tools like Excel, PowerPoint and Canva seen as an added advantage.
Internshala founder and CEO Sarvesh Agrawal said, “Intern With Icon is designed to bridge aspiration with access. Young talent often admires iconic founders from afar. This programme gives them a chance to learn directly and understand how businesses are built.”
The initiative reflects a broader shift in early-career learning, moving from classroom-style exposure to real-world, founder-led experience. By placing students in the thick of decision-making and execution, Internshala is aiming to make internships less about observation and more about participation.
As competition for meaningful work experience grows, programmes like this could well set the tone for how India’s next generation of professionals gets its first real taste of the business world.
