Dow India today inaugurated a Science Centre with mini-innovation hub in partnership with Agastya at an educational premise of Jijamata Shikshan Prasarak Mandal in Lote, Ratnagiri district.

The objective of the Science Centre is to increase science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) literacy and prepare tomorrow’s workforce to develop innovative solutions. This centre will enable students to learn the process of design thinking which will include ideation and prototype development and prepare tomorrow's workforce to develop innovative solutions. 

The facility has been created through CSR partner Agastya International Foundation and Freedom For You. The centre aims to benefit 5,000 students spread across more than 50 schools and will also provide training for more than 100 teachers and become a hub for science fairs and competitions in the region.

Dow India CEO and Country President Chandrakant Nayak inaugurated the facility recently. He commented, “It is essential to encourage curiosity, aid adoption of technology and multi-disciplinary learning experience for facilitators, teachers and students. As a company, we are committed to help build the workforce of tomorrow by getting students excited about STEM subjects and supporting our educators. Engaging our employees and volunteerism is a vital part of that strategy and the center’s success.”

Spread over 3,000 square feet, the center will provide students with enriched and evolved learning. It will be equipped with more than 200 scientific models, chemicals, glassware and even modern tools and instruments like a 3D printer. It will also act as a learning space where schools from Khed and Chiplun Taluka will be invited to participate in hands-on experiential learning, which is aligned to their curriculum, whereby students will go through a series of sessions focused on design thinking processes.