Kerala launches 'Lab on Wheels' to enhance tech education access

Kerala CM Inaugurates State’s First Mobile Technology Lab, ‘Lab on Wheels’

Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan on Thursday launched the State’s first-ever ‘Lab on Wheels,’ a mobile technology laboratory aimed at introducing students to emerging technologies. The initiative, spearheaded by ASAP Kerala under the Department of Higher Education in collaboration with Infosys Springboard, seeks to provide hands-on learning experiences in cutting-edge fields like AI, robotics, and 3D design.

Bringing Technology to Every Corner of Kerala

The ‘Lab on Wheels’ is designed to travel across Kerala, from Thiruvananthapuram to Kasaragod, reaching schools, colleges, and technical institutions. It will offer practical training in advanced technologies, including coding, microcontrollers, and electronics, ensuring students gain exposure to modern tools and concepts.

This initiative is particularly significant as it aims to bridge the digital divide by making technology education accessible to students in urban, rural, coastal, tribal, and remote areas. By doing so, ASAP Kerala and Infosys hope to ensure equal opportunities for all communities in acquiring crucial technical skills.

Key Stakeholders Present at the Launch

The inauguration ceremony saw the presence of several dignitaries, including Minister for Transport C.P. John, Preethy Leonard (CFO, ASAP Kerala), Laiju I.P. (Head of Training, ASAP Kerala), Chitra T. Nair (Principal, Government College for Women, Thiruvananthapuram), Sunil Jose (Vice-President, Infosys Ltd.), and Santhosh Ananthapura (Associate Vice-President, Infosys Ltd.).

Why It Matters

With technology playing an increasingly central role in education and employment, the ‘Lab on Wheels’ initiative represents a crucial step toward equipping Kerala’s youth with future-ready skills. By directly addressing the challenges of accessibility and inclusivity, the programme underscores the State’s commitment to fostering innovation and bridging educational disparities.

Source: The Hindu