ST Foundation Strengthens India Mission

• Global ST Foundation leadership joins India media briefing virtually, reaffirming commitment to STEM access and community empowerment

• Outlines Vision for Inclusive Digital Education

The ST Foundation has reaffirmed its long-term commitment to advancing digital inclusion and STEM education in India, positioning the country as a strategic growth region for its global outreach mission. During a recent media interaction, Chhavi Bajpai, Director of ST Foundation India, presented an in-depth overview of the Foundation’s programs, impact areas, and expansion roadmap in the country. The session also featured virtual participation from key global leadership members, highlighting the strong alignment between India initiatives and the Foundation’s worldwide strategy.

The briefing showcased how India has become one of the most dynamic regions for the Foundation, where large-scale social needs intersect with rapid technological transformation. Under the leadership of Giovanna Bottani , Director of Operations (COO) – ST Foundation, ST Foundation India is focusing on scalable, inclusive education models that equip underserved communities with digital skills and pathways to future employment.

Driving Inclusive Digital Transformation in India

At the center of the India presentation was Chhavi Bajpai’s vision of technology as a social equalizer. She emphasized that access to digital tools, STEM education, and experiential learning can significantly reduce socio-economic disparities, especially in developing regions. According to Bajpai, India’s demographic diversity and educational gaps make it both a challenge and an opportunity for designing inclusive digital education frameworks.

She explained that ST Foundation’s India initiatives are structured around three pillars: digital access, STEM learning, and community engagement. Programs are designed to introduce students from underserved backgrounds to technology through practical, hands-on learning environments rather than purely theoretical education. This includes exposure to coding, robotics, electronics, and problem-solving projects that build confidence and curiosity.

A key theme in Bajpai’s presentation was localization. While the Foundation operates globally, she noted that successful implementation in India requires adapting content, language, and delivery models to local contexts. Partnerships with schools, NGOs, and community organizations enable this localization, ensuring programs remain relevant across urban, semi-urban, and rural settings.

Bajpai also highlighted teacher enablement as a critical multiplier. Training educators in digital tools and STEM pedagogy ensures that knowledge transfer continues beyond Foundation interventions. By empowering teachers, programs achieve sustainable impact rather than one-time exposure.

Empowering Girls and Young Women in STEM

Another major focus area presented was gender inclusion in digital education. Many girls in underserved communities still face structural barriers to accessing technology and STEM learning opportunities. Addressing this gap is central to ST Foundation India’s mission.

Initiatives specifically encourage girls’ participation through mentorship, role models, and safe learning environments. Bajpai explained that when girls gain early exposure to technology, it improves educational retention and opens pathways to careers in engineering, science, and digital sectors. This approach aligns with the Foundation’s broader global objective of equitable participation in the digital economy.

Gender inclusion is not treated as a separate program but integrated across all activities, ensuring balanced participation in training sessions, workshops, and community projects.

Community Partnerships and Volunteerism

ST Foundation’s impact in India relies heavily on collaboration. Partnerships with educational institutions, social organizations, and local communities enable the Foundation to reach diverse populations efficiently. These collaborations also ensure cultural sensitivity and long-term sustainability.

An important aspect of the Foundation’s model is employee volunteerism from STMicroelectronics. Engineers and professionals contribute technical expertise, mentorship, and training support, bridging the gap between industry knowledge and community education. Bajpai noted that this connection between corporate expertise and social programs strengthens both educational outcomes and employee engagement.

India as a Strategic Growth Region

Throughout the briefing,  India was positioned as a priority geography for ST Foundation’s global mission. The country’s young population, digital transformation momentum, and persistent educational inequality create a compelling case for scaling programs.

ST Foundation outlined plans to expand outreach to new states, deepen engagement with government and academic institutions, and introduce advanced STEM modules aligned with emerging technologies. These include areas such as artificial intelligence awareness, electronics design basics, and digital problem-solving skills relevant to future industries.

India’s scale requires scalable models—programs that can be replicated across regions without losing local relevance. The Foundation aims to achieve this through standardized curricula combined with localized delivery partnerships.

Recognition and Industry Acknowledgment

The growing impact of ST Foundation India’s digital inclusion and STEM education initiatives was recently recognized at the national level when the organization received the CSR Project of the Year Award from the Indo-French Chamber of Commerce & Industry (IFCCI). The honor highlights the Foundation’s sustained efforts in empowering underserved communities through technology-enabled learning and reinforces India’s role as a flagship geography within the global ST Foundation network.

Global Leadership Joins India Briefing Virtually

While the India initiatives formed the core of the session, the briefing also highlighted ST Foundation’s global integration through virtual participation of international leadership. Their presence signaled strong organizational backing for India’s expansion plans and reinforced alignment with global strategy.

The global team participating virtually included:

• Pietro Palella – President, ST Foundation
• Renato Sirtori – Board Member and Asia Representative
• Giovanna Bottani – Director of Operations
• Barbara Lisei – Communications Lead

In their remarks, global leaders emphasized that regional programs such as India’s are central to achieving the Foundation’s worldwide mission of digital inclusion. They reiterated that sharing best practices across geographies allows successful models to scale while adapting to local contexts.

Their virtual participation also reflected the Foundation’s collaborative operating structure, where strategy and execution are closely linked across global and regional teams.

Global Mission Rooted in Technology for Good

Founded in 2001 by STMicroelectronics, the ST Foundation operates globally to provide disadvantaged communities with access to digital education and technological skills. Its programs aim to transform technology expertise into social impact through volunteer-driven initiatives.

During the briefing, global leaders reiterated that the Foundation’s unique strength lies in connecting corporate knowledge with community needs. Volunteers from the semiconductor industry contribute not only technical skills but also mentorship and career inspiration, helping students envision pathways into technology fields.

This model has enabled the Foundation to deliver programs across multiple countries while maintaining consistency in quality and objectives.

Future Outlook: Scaling Impact Across India

Concluding her presentation, Chhavi Bajpai outlined the roadmap for ST Foundation India’s next phase. Key priorities include expanding geographic reach, strengthening partnerships, and enhancing curriculum depth to align with future technology trends.

She emphasized that the Foundation’s goal in India is not only digital literacy but digital empowerment—enabling individuals to use technology creatively, confidently, and productively. By equipping youth with STEM skills and problem-solving capabilities, programs aim to support employability and innovation.

ST Foundation reiterated that sustained impact requires long-term engagement with communities, educators, and institutions. With strong support from global leadership and alignment with international best practices, ST Foundation India is positioned to scale its initiatives significantly in the coming years.