Wed Nov 13 03:30:00 UTC 2024: ## Amazon Launches First “Future Engineer Makerspace” in Bengaluru to Bridge Digital Divide
**Bengaluru, India – November 13, 2024** – Amazon has launched its first “Future Engineer Makerspace” in Bengaluru, aiming to bridge the gap in technological literacy among underserved students in India. The initiative, part of the tech giant’s philanthropic “Future Engineer Program”, provides free hands-on learning in robotics, AI, and 3D printing for students between grades 5 and 12.
The Makerspace, established in partnership with The Innovation Story, is equipped with state-of-the-art tools like 3D printers, power tools, and lathes, offering various learning programs from beginner-level introductory courses to advanced robotics, programming, prototyping, and design. While prioritizing underserved students and government schools, the facility is open to all, allowing teachers to bring their students for workshops and projects.
Akshay Kashyap, India Lead at Amazon Future Engineer Program, highlights the importance of promoting computer science education beyond just coding, emphasizing its role in developing problem-solving, design thinking, and critical thinking skills. The program has already reached 2.9 million students across India through various initiatives, including partnerships with eight state governments, non-profits, and government schools.
Notable initiatives include “Code Mitra”, a mobile app for block-based coding, eco-hackathons with the Ministry of Forest and Environment, and scholarships and internships for underprivileged girls pursuing computer science. The program also emphasizes teacher training, reaching approximately 16,000 educators across India and fostering innovative learning approaches in classrooms.
The launch of the “Future Engineer Makerspace” signifies Amazon’s commitment to fostering a more inclusive and technologically literate future for India’s youth, empowering them with the skills needed to thrive in the rapidly evolving digital landscape.
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