Bringing science out of textbooks and into the hands of young learners, BASF has joined hands with CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (CSIR-IICT), Hyderabad, to engage 1,150 schoolchildren from municipal schools in an interactive chemistry and climate action programme.

 

Running from October 26 to 31, 2026, the BASF Kids' Lab is designed to ignite scientific curiosity among children aged 8 to 12 through hands-on experiments, interactive activities and lessons on sustainability, environmental protection and climate action.

 

The initiative aims to make science engaging and accessible while showing children how chemistry connects with everyday life and how small individual actions can contribute to a more sustainable future.

 

Developed by BASF, the world's leading chemical company, Kids' Lab has reached children in more than 30 countries. Since its launch in India in 2004, the programme has inspired over 62,000 schoolchildren across the country.

 

Relaunched in 2023 under BASF India's Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, the programme places climate protection at its core. It has since travelled across major cities, including Chennai, Navi Mumbai, Mangalore, Bengaluru and Delhi, while also reaching rural and tribal children in Maharashtra's Nashik district.

 

Through age-appropriate experiments and interactive learning modules, students are encouraged to explore environmental challenges, understand sustainability and recognise their role in protecting the planet.

 

Kim Höffken, Managing Director, BASF Digital Solutions Private Limited, said: "Children learn best when they can explore, experiment, and discover for themselves. Through BASF Kids' Lab, we aim to create engaging learning experiences that spark curiosity, encourage young minds to ask questions, think critically, and better understand the role of science in addressing real-world challenges. 

 

"By connecting chemistry with topics such as sustainability and climate action, we hope to inspire the next generation to become informed and responsible innovators. We are pleased to collaborate with CSIR-IICT in bringing this unique learning journey to students in Hyderabad."

 

D. Srinivasa Reddy, Director, CSIR-IICT, welcomed the initiative, highlighting its potential to nurture scientific thinking and environmental responsibility, particularly among government school students.

 

He noted the strong alignment between BASF's initiative and CSIR's Jigyasa programme, which promotes experiential science education among schoolchildren. He said the collaboration reflected a shared commitment to making science accessible, engaging and meaningful for the next generation.

 

Reddy also thanked the Education Department, Government of Telangana, for its support in identifying government schools and facilitating students' participation in the programme.

 

For the young participants, the experience is already making a difference.

 

Gouthami, a student of Government High School, Peteri, shared her experience. "Today’s session was very enjoyable and educational. The water purification experiment was my favorite activity. The volunteers explained the concepts in a simple and friendly manner, making it easy for me to understand and participate. I learned many new things and would like to share this knowledge with my friends and family. I will try to incorporate today’s learning on contributions to climate action in my daily life. Thank you to all the teachers and volunteers for giving me this wonderful learning opportunity.”

 

By taking chemistry beyond classroom theory and connecting it with real-world environmental challenges, BASF Kids' Lab seeks to do more than teach science. It aims to inspire a generation of curious, informed and environmentally responsible young citizens who can become champions of climate action.