IIIT Una conducts AI and entrepreneurship outreach for Kendriya Vidyalaya students under Unnat Bharat Abhiyan, inspiring innovation, start-up thinking and future-ready skills.
Connecting higher education with school communities
The Indian Institute of Information Technology (IIIT) Una recently organised an outreach programme on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and entrepreneurship for students of Kendriya Vidyalaya, Saloh, in Una district. The initiative took place under the framework of the Unnat Bharat Abhiyan (UBA), a Government of India programme that connects premier higher-education institutions with local communities to address developmental challenges.
The programme’s primary objective was to cultivate an interest in emerging technologies and entrepreneurial endeavours among young students. Around 80 students from Classes 11 and 12 actively participated in the sessions, which were led by a dedicated team of student volunteers from IIIT Una. Through these interactions, the institute aimed to prepare students for a future increasingly shaped by innovation, digital technologies and start-up ecosystems.
Demystifying artificial intelligence for school students
The Artificial Intelligence segment of the outreach provided students with a foundational understanding of AI. Discussions covered the fundamental principles of AI, its distinction from conventional software, its pervasive role in contemporary daily life, and the accessibility of AI tools that students can explore independently.
The sessions aimed to demystify AI and highlight its practical applications. Instead of presenting AI as an abstract or highly technical subject, the volunteers explained how AI powers recommendation systems, voice assistants, image recognition, language translation and many other everyday tools. They also introduced students to freely accessible AI platforms and resources that support self-directed learning.
This approach encouraged students to view AI as a skill they can develop rather than a distant technology controlled only by large companies. By showcasing accessible tools and real-world examples, the programme sought to ignite curiosity and motivate students to experiment with AI in their own projects and studies.
Introducing the start-up ecosystem and entrepreneurship
In parallel, the entrepreneurship session delved into the burgeoning start-up ecosystem within India. Students were introduced to the essential elements of establishing new ventures, including an overview of government initiatives designed to support aspiring young entrepreneurs. The session also emphasised the growing significance of Artificial Intelligence in the development of innovative business solutions and the generation of novel business concepts.
The volunteers explained how technology and enterprise increasingly intersect. AI can help startups automate operations, analyse customer data, personalise services and create new products. At the same time, entrepreneurial thinking encourages students to identify problems, design solutions and build sustainable models around them.
By combining these themes, the programme underscored the synergy between technology and enterprise. Students could see how technical skills in AI can translate into business opportunities, while entrepreneurial mindsets can guide the responsible and impactful use of technology.
Role of student volunteers and coordination
Dr Shonal Chouksey played a pivotal role in coordinating the outreach programme, ensuring its smooth execution and alignment with the Unnat Bharat Abhiyan’s broader goals. The student volunteer team that facilitated the sessions comprised Vanshiv Garg, Dev Malhotra, Himanshu Singla, Vaibhav Shukla, Shivam Tyagi, Ankit Meena, Samarth Sharma, Vinayak Singh and Vinay Kumar.
Their active involvement provided students with relatable insights from peers who are actively engaged in higher education and technological pursuits. School students could interact with volunteers who had recently navigated similar academic choices and career decisions. This peer-to-peer dynamic often makes complex topics feel more approachable and also inspires confidence in younger learners.
For the IIIT Una volunteers, the outreach offered a valuable leadership and communication development opportunity. They had to explain technical concepts clearly, respond to questions and adapt their presentations to the audience’s level. Such experiences strengthen their ability to engage with diverse stakeholders beyond the campus.
Unnat Bharat Abhiyan and community engagement
The Unnat Bharat Abhiyan, initiated by the Ministry of Education, seeks to link premier institutions with rural and grassroots communities to address developmental challenges. By engaging with school students, IIIT Una’s initiative also aligns with the Abhiyan’s objective of fostering a culture of innovation and informed citizenship from an early stage.
Such programs are crucial in bridging the gap between academic learning and real-world applications, particularly in rapidly evolving fields like AI and entrepreneurship. They also help institutions understand local needs, aspirations and constraints. Over time, this two-way engagement can shape more relevant curricula, outreach activities and community projects.
The participation of Kendriya Vidyalaya students signifies an effort to broaden the horizons of secondary education beyond traditional curricula. By exposing students to advanced technological concepts and entrepreneurial thinking, institutions like IIIT Una contribute to developing a future-ready workforce and a generation of innovators.
Building a pipeline for STEM and innovation
The outreach aimed to ignite curiosity and foster a proactive mindset among the students. It provided them with a glimpse into fields that are projected to dominate the future job market and economic landscape. The practical orientation of the sessions, focusing on accessible tools and government support mechanisms, also aimed to make the concepts of AI and entrepreneurship tangible and achievable for the participating students.
The success of such programs often translates into increased awareness and a potential pipeline of students pursuing STEM and entrepreneurship in their higher education journey. Some participants may choose to explore AI projects, join innovation clubs, participate in hackathons or consider start-up ideas in the coming years.
IIIT Una, established as an institution of national importance, is committed to advancing education and research in information technology. Its engagement through initiatives like this outreach program also demonstrates a commitment to societal development and educational empowerment beyond its campus boundaries. By investing time and effort in school-level outreach, the institute helps create a stronger foundation for future innovation in the region.
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