Key Points
- Samsung sets up 10 STEM labs in government schools across Kanchipuram and Ranipet districts
- DigiArivu programme implemented with UN Global Compact Network India reaches 3,000 students
- Initiative includes Building as Learning Aid murals featuring Dr APJ Abdul Kalam
Samsung India has established 10 STEM laboratories in government schools across Tamil Nadu’s Kanchipuram and Ranipet districts, providing 3,000 students with access to hands-on science and mathematics education equipment.
The initiative, called DigiArivu, is being implemented in partnership with the UN Global Compact Network India (UNGCNI). The programme includes dedicated laboratory spaces, educational equipment for practical experimentation, upgraded school infrastructure and teacher training components.
The laboratories are designed to allow students to conduct experiments based on concepts introduced in their regular curriculum. Schools have also received Building as Learning Aid (BaLA) installations, which use walls and common spaces to display interactive educational content including murals featuring scientific concepts, mathematics, sustainability themes and images of Dr APJ Abdul Kalam.
STEM lab rollout
“Education is most meaningful when it inspires curiosity and encourages students to learn by doing,” said SH Yoon, president, Samsung Chennai Plant. “Through DigiArivu, Samsung is working with schools in Tamil Nadu to create engaging learning environments where technology, hands-on STEM education and teacher development come together to help young learners build confidence and prepare for the future.”
The programme covers government schools in five locations within Kanchipuram district: Maduramangalam, Molachur, Edayarpakkam, Damal and Thirupputkuzhi. In Ranipet district, schools in Panappakkam, Arcot, Thimiri, Kalavai and Walajapet have received the installations.
Ratnesh Jha, executive director, UNGCNI, said the collaboration reflects a shared commitment to expanding educational opportunities. “By bringing STEM education and digital learning to government schools, this initiative is helping equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in an increasingly technology-driven world,” he said.
School administrators have reported changes in student engagement since the laboratories became operational. V Anandakumar, headmaster at Maduramangalam Government Higher Secondary School in Kanchipuram, said students have become more participative in classroom activities. “The STEM lab and interactive learning spaces have encouraged them to ask questions, participate more actively and connect lessons with practical experiences,” he said.
Students at the school confirmed they are now able to conduct experiments independently. S Lathika, a Class 12 student at the same school, said the learning walls around the campus help reinforce classroom lessons. “It makes learning more enjoyable and inspires us to discover more,” she said.
Manufacturing link
The DigiArivu programme is part of Samsung’s corporate social responsibility activities connected to its manufacturing presence in Tamil Nadu. The company operates a manufacturing facility in Sriperumbudur, located in Kanchipuram district, and has positioned the education initiative as community engagement around its industrial operations.
By the numbers
- 10
- STEM labs established in government schools
- 3,000
- students reached across two districts
- 2
- districts covered: Kanchipuram and Ranipet
Samsung has indicated it will expand DigiArivu to other districts in Tamil Nadu. The company said the programme would continue to focus on activity-based experiential learning and broader access to STEM education in government schools.
The initiative operates alongside other Samsung education and skills programmes in India, including Samsung Innovation Campus, Samsung Solve for Tomorrow and Samsung DOST. These programmes focus on skilling, innovation challenges and technical training respectively.
Government schools in Tamil Nadu, like those across India, face infrastructure constraints that limit practical science education. Laboratory facilities, where they exist, are often under-equipped or shared across multiple institutions. Private sector CSR interventions in government school infrastructure have increased over the past decade, with technology companies particularly active in establishing digital and STEM learning facilities.
The UN Global Compact Network India works with corporations on sustainable development initiatives and has partnered with multiple technology companies on education programmes. The organisation focuses on aligning corporate CSR activities with broader development goals including quality education access.
Your Questions, Answered
How many STEM labs has Samsung set up in Tamil Nadu?
Samsung has established 10 STEM laboratories across government schools in Kanchipuram and Ranipet districts through its DigiArivu programme, implemented in partnership with UN Global Compact Network India.
What is the DigiArivu programme?
DigiArivu is Samsung India's CSR education initiative that provides government schools with STEM laboratories, hands-on educational equipment, Building as Learning Aid installations and teacher development support.
Which districts in Tamil Nadu are covered by Samsung's STEM labs?
The programme covers schools in Kanchipuram district (Maduramangalam, Molachur, Edayarpakkam, Damal, Thirupputkuzhi) and Ranipet district (Panappakkam, Arcot, Thimiri, Kalavai, Walajapet).
How many students benefit from Samsung's STEM education initiative?
The DigiArivu programme reaches 3,000 students across the 10 government schools where STEM laboratories have been established in Tamil Nadu.
