AI education key to equipping students for future job market: STEMROBO Co-Founder

STEMROBO, a leading edtech company is addressing the growing demand for AI skills in India's workforce. In an exclusive interview with Bizz Buzz, Anurag Gupta, Co-Founder of STEMROBO, discusses the challenges and opportunities of integrating AI education into the Indian school system, along with the company's unique approach to bridge the skills gap and prepare students for high-demand tech jobs.

"The Finance Minister's recent emphasis on skill development aligns perfectly with the vision of AI education," says Gupta. "By integrating AI into the curriculum, students gain valuable skills in areas like machine learning, data analysis, and robotics – all highly sought-after in today's job market," he adds

The Finance Minister emphasised skill development for better employment opportunities in the recent budget. How does AI education fit into this vision, and what specific skills should students focus on to align with industry demands?

The Finance Minister's emphasis on skill development for better employment opportunities in the recent budget underscores the critical role of AI education in this vision. AI education equips students with essential skills that are increasingly demanded in today's rapidly evolving job market. By integrating AI into the curriculum, students gain proficiency in areas such as machine learning, data analysis, AIoT, and robotics. These skills are very important for various industries, including healthcare, finance, manufacturing, and more.

Additionally, gaining hands-on experience through STEAM and innovation labs that involve real-world applications will enhance their practical knowledge and employability. By prioritising these specific skills, students will be well-prepared to meet the challenges and opportunities presented by the AI-driven future, thereby contributing to India's growth as a technological powerhouse.

Elaborate on how these tools specifically prepare students for future job markets and help in skill development.

These tools, specifically AI and AIoT, prepare students for future job markets by equipping them with practical and in-demand skills. Learning programming languages like Python enables students to write and understand the code that forms the backbone of AI applications. Machine learning further empowers students to develop systems that can understand, learn, and predict outcomes based on data, which is valuable in creating intelligent applications such as chatbots, recommendation systems, and predictive analytics tools. These technologies are preparing students to become problem solvers and creative thinkers, as per the data 60 per cent of the jobs today will not exist in the future. So if they can think creatively and analytically, they will be able to survive the future job market.

Hands-on projects allow students to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world problems, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills. These experiences make students adept at using AI tools, innovate solutions, and improve efficiency in various industries. This comprehensive skill development ensures that they are not only job-ready but also capable of driving technological advancements and innovation in their respective fields.

How has AI reshaped India’s technology ecosystem, and what role do startups play in this transformation?

AI has profoundly reshaped India’s technology ecosystem, much like the computer revolution in the 90s. With tools like ChatGPT and generative AI, the landscape has transformed. Startups like STEMROBO are leading by integrating AI into education, allowing students to learn AI early, innovate, and enhance their skills, thus preparing them for future technological advancements and opportunities.

Given the rapid advancements in AI, why is it crucial to integrate AI education into Indian schools at this stage, and how is STEMROBO addressing this need?

The rapid advancements in AI have significantly transformed technology, making it crucial to integrate AI education into Indian schools. While CBSE and state boards have initiated this, challenges remain in embedding AI into the curriculum due to a lack of resources for teacher and student training. STEMROBO addresses this by developing AI-based DIY kits integrated with robotics and creating software platforms for AI coding. They focus on appropriate grade-level topics and continuously refine their approach through ground-level feedback to ensure effective AI education.

India is projected to need over 1 million tech engineers proficient in advanced AI. How can STEMROBO's programs help bridge the skills gap and prepare students for these high-demand roles?

Bridging the skills gap for over 1 million tech engineers proficient in advanced AI requires a long-term strategy. STEMROBO addresses this by focusing on a K-16 approach (Kg to 12th to B.Tech/B.Sc/M.Sc) with a progressive course curriculum. Our engineers develop master trainers and provide comprehensive training for teachers and students on the latest AI technologies, ensuring they are well-prepared for high-demand roles in the tech industry.

What are the biggest challenges STEMROBO faces in implementing AI education across diverse regions in India, and what opportunities do you see arising from this integration?

STEMROBO faces several significant challenge is the resistance to change and adoption of new technologies in traditional educational settings, where both educators and students want to stick to conventional teaching methods. Tier 2 , Tier 3 cities and rural areas lack awareness on STEAM programs and in demand skills like robotics and AI, it’s always a challenge for us to make them aware about 21st century skills, and also there is disparity in infrastructure.

While urban areas may have access to high-speed internet and modern computer labs, many rural regions still lack basic technological infrastructure, making it difficult to provide consistent and quality AI education. Another challenge is the resistance to change and adoption of new technologies in traditional educational settings, where both educators and students may be accustomed to conventional teaching methods.

Despite these challenges, the integration of AI education presents substantial opportunities. AI education can bridge the digital divide by equipping students with skills that are highly relevant in the modern job market, thus enhancing employability and economic opportunities in underserved regions. It also fosters a culture of innovation and critical thinking among students, encouraging them to become creators of technology rather than just consumers. .

Furthermore, integrating AI education can lead to the development of localized AI solutions tailored to address specific regional issues, such as agriculture, healthcare, and local governance, thereby driving community-specific advancements.

Looking ahead, how do STEMROBO envision the role of AI in STEM education evolving in India, and what steps is the company taking to stay ahead of these changes?

Looking ahead, STEMROBO envisions AI playing a pivotal role in evolving STEM education in India. For any new technology, it's essential to determine how and where to start. Since AI is a new subject, it's crucial to create and maintain student interest and effectively impart knowledge through educators. The edtech firm addresses these challenges by developing engaging content, creating efficient software and hardware platforms as AI tools, and preparing educators to train students. By doing so, STEMROBO is building a comprehensive AI skill ecosystem for the future.