FM launches project to develop AI, robotics labs in schools in Karnataka

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday launched a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) project to develop five artificial intelligence (AI), STEM and robotics laboratories in government schools in Karnataka. The minister launched Cyient AI Labs (CyAILS) — ‘VijAIpatha’, a CSR-led national initiative aimed at democratising access to AI, STEM and robotics education in government schools in Hosapete taluka of Hampi. Under the pilot, five world-class AI, STEM and robotics labs are being established in government schools. “Each lab will be equipped with high-performance computers, AI-ready software, robotics kits, IoT devices, sensors and secure broadband connectivity.

The VijAIpatha programme is aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, Digital India, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. It integrates the CBSE’s AI curriculum and aims to strengthen technology-enabled learning in public education. Focused on rural and semi-urban areas, the initiative introduces future technologies at the school level, building early digital fluency, computational thinking and innovation capacity among students.

Smt @nsitharaman launched Cyient AI Labs (CyAILS) - ‘VijAIpatha’, a CSR-led national initiative to democratise access to Artificial Intelligence, STEM and Robotics education in government schools of Hosapete Taluka in Hampi, Karnataka. (1/n) pic.twitter.com/s1Zlvlhl7l

— Nirmala Sitharaman Office (@nsitharamanoffc) December 20, 2025

The project also seeks to enhance students’ foundational digital knowledge and their ability to think critically and innovate while solving complex problems. VijAIpatha is expected to benefit more than 2,000 students and provide training to over 200 teachers. “Benefiting over 2,000 students and training 200-plus teachers, VijAIpatha is a scalable CSR model fostering innovation, career readiness and digital empowerment at the grassroots level,” the post said. The programme can be implemented across various districts and states in collaboration with education departments and is expected to serve as a model CSR project for the national-level expansion of artificial intelligence education.

(State Correpondent)