Samsung India is expanding access to STEM learning in Tamil Nadu, reaching 3,000 students across 10 government schools in Kancheepuram and Ranipet through its DigiArivu programme. The initiative builds on Samsung’s growing commitment to manufacturing, innovation and community development in the state.

Implemented in collaboration with the UN Global Compact Network India (UNGCNI), DigiArivu is strengthening STEM learning through 10 dedicated STEM labs, hands-on educational equipment, Building as Learning Aid (BaLA), upgraded school infrastructure and teacher development. The CSR programme enables students to strengthen their understanding of STEM subjects through practical learning experiences and the application of classroom concepts. 

“Education is most meaningful when it inspires curiosity and encourages students to learn by doing. Through DigiArivu, Samsung is working with schools in Tamil Nadu to create engaging learning environments where technology, hands-on STEM education and teacher development come together to help young learners build confidence and prepare for the future,” said SH Yoon, President, Samsung Chennai Plant.

“The UN Global Compact Network India is committed to fostering partnerships that contribute to sustainable and inclusive development, creating meaningful impact at scale. Our collaboration with Samsung through DigiArivu reflects a shared commitment to strengthening quality education and expanding opportunities for young learners. By bringing STEM education and digital learning to government schools, this initiative is helping equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in an increasingly technology-driven world,” said Ratnesh Jha, Executive Director, United Nations Global Network India, (UNGCNI).

Bringing STEM Learning to Life

Akey component of the programme is the creation of 10 STEM labs across government schools in Kancheepuram and Ranipet in Tamil Nadu providing students with opportunities to experiment with scientific concepts introduced in the classroom. Through hands-on activities and practical experimentation, students can engage more deeply with STEM subjects and develop curiosity, problem-solving skills and confidence in applying what they learn.

The programme also incorporates Building as Learning Aid (BaLA) to make the wider school environment an extension of the classroom. School walls and common spaces feature interactive elements and murals inspired by science, mathematics, sustainability, sports and inspirational personalities such as Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.

“Since DigiArivu was introduced, we have seen students become more curious and confident in the classroom. The STEM lab and interactive learning spaces have encouraged them to ask questions, participate more actively and connect lessons with practical experiences,” said V.Anandakumar, Headmaster, Maduramangalam Govt. Higher Secondary School, Kanchipuram.

For students, the impact is visible every day.

“Now we can perform experiments ourselves in the STEM Lab, and the learning walls around our school help us remember what we study in class. It makes learning more enjoyable and inspires us to discover more,” said S.Lathika, a Class 12 student from Maduramangalam Govt. Higher Secondary School, Kancheepuram.

Reaching Government Schools Across Kanchipuram & Ranipet

The initiative covers government schools in Maduramangalam, Molachur, Edayarpakkam, Damal and Thirupputkuzhi in Kancheepuram district, and Panappakkam, Arcot, Thimiri, Kalavai and Walajapet in Ranipet district.

Samsung will continue to strengthen its education initiatives in Tamil Nadu with DigiArivu expanding its focus across other districts. The programme will promote activity-based experiential learning, while enabling greater access to STEM education.

DigiArivu is part of Samsung’s broader commitment to Tamil Nadu and complements initiatives such as Samsung Innovation Campus, Samsung Solve for Tomorrow and Samsung DOST. Together, these programmes are expanding opportunities for education, skilling and innovation while strengthening Samsung’s long-standing engagement with communities across the state, including those around its manufacturing facility in Sriperumbudur.

Samsung, India’s largest consumer electronics brand, in partnership with the United Nations Global Compact Network India (UN GCNI), today launched ‘DigiArivu – Empowering Students Through Tech’, an education programme aimed at strengthening digital and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education in Tamil Nadu.

Through this initiative, Samsung will upgrade school infrastructure, enable STEM and digital learning, train teachers, and support holistic student development across 10 government schools in Kancheepuram and Ranipet districts of Tamil Nadu — benefiting over 3,000 students. As part of DigiArivu, Samsung will deploy a multi-layered, community-centric model to transform the learning ecosystem in tier-2 and tier-3 districts.

The programme has been designed based on UN GCNI’s research with state government-run schools, inputs from Samsung employees in the Sriperumbudur manufacturing plant and community members in the region to ensure that interventions address real on-ground needs.

The key focus areas include upgrading the existing learning ecosystem in schools through Building as Learning Aid (BaLA) designs followed by providing equipment for promoting digital learning among school children. The programme will introduce activity-based learning on STEM themes and teacher-training sessions. Samsung will also provide sports kits and set up libraries with Tamil, English and competitive-examination books. It will offer career guidance to Class 12 students, provide education expert speaker series and health awareness camps for the school children. The programme also entails celebration of important days and events at schools along with community members.

The launch event organized at The Anna Centenary Library in Kotturpuram, was graced by Thiru Dr. Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi, Honourable Minister for School Education, Government of Tamil Nadu; and District Collectors of Kancheepuram and Ranipet; reaffirming the state’s commitment to strengthening STEM education in the state and advancing digital inclusion.

“Samsung has always believed that technology becomes truly powerful when it expands access, opportunity, and confidence for young people everywhere. Through DigiArivu, we are creating a digitally-enabled learning environment that will help students in Tamil Nadu build future-ready skills, strengthen their curiosity, and participate fully in India’s fast-evolving digital economy. Our focus is not only on introducing technology, but on empowering teachers, uplifting communities, and ensuring that every child — regardless of background — can benefit from quality digital education. DigiArivu is another strong step in our ongoing commitment to ‘Powering Digital India’ and nurturing India’s future talent pipeline,” said SH Yoon, President, Samsung Chennai Plant.

“DigiArivu reflects what meaningful collaboration can achieve when business and society come together with a purpose. At UN Global Compact Network India, we are proud to partner with Samsung to advance STEM learning and digital access for children in government schools in Tamil Nadu. This initiative truly embodies the spirit of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) — ensuring that no child is left behind in India’s digital future,” said Ratnesh Jha, Executive Director, UN GCNI.

In addition to DigiArivu, Samsung continues to strengthen youth skilling in Tamil Nadu through the Samsung Innovation Campus (SIC) programme. Under SIC, this year, Samsung is training 5,000 students in Tamil Nadu in high-demand future-tech domains such as Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things, Big Data, and Coding & Programming. The programme is being implemented in partnership with leading training and skilling organisations, enabling students across Tamil Nadu to gain industry-relevant technical skills and enhance their employability. Through SIC, Samsung is helping young learners in the state, prepare for careers in a rapidly developing future tech economy.