The Wonder School Learning Collective, in collaboration with Potters Earth Foundation, hosted the Annual Indian STEM Fest and Inter School Innovation Expo 2026 at The Wonder School campus in Mundhwa, Pune, bringing together school students, teachers, parents, home schoolers and STEM educators for a day of hands-on science learning, innovation and student led problem solving.
The STEM Fest was supported through CSR sponsorship by a renowned company with a parallel focus on strengthening science education outcomes through teacher training. Under this initiative, science teachers from underprivileged schools have been undergoing training to make classroom learning more engaging, experiential and relatable, facilitated by Potters Earth Foundation with expert trainers from IISER Pune.
This year’s theme, Science that Solves Real Problems, came alive through an innovation showcase that featured working projects presented by student participants. Across the expo floor, students demonstrated solutions rooted in everyday realities, from water conservation and classroom systems to agriculture and safety focused prototypes.
Speaking at the event, Saurabh Sharma, Founder, Potters Earth Foundation, said: “STEM is no longer a specialized pathway reserved for scientists or engineers it is fast becoming a foundational life skill for every child. As the world rapidly evolves through digital transformation and AI even fields like music, design and the arts require technological fluency. The future of work will demand not just degrees but adaptability, problem solving and a working understanding of science and technology. Yet millions of children across our country still lack access, exposure and opportunity. Bridging this generational and geographical gap is no longer optional it is urgent. CSR must move beyond writing cheques to building ecosystems supporting long term curriculum integration hands on learning platforms like Atal Tinkering Labs mentorship networks and pathways from learning to livelihood. The future cannot be a privilege for a few it must be a possibility for every child everywhere.”
A CSR leader representing the supporting company said: “While infrastructure lays the foundation for education, it is the quality of teaching that truly shapes the future. Well qualified teachers must continually evolve through meaningful training, because building a strong system begins with empowering educators. Children are the architects of tomorrow’s India and by strengthening our teachers’ ability to adapt and impart knowledge effectively, we invest directly in that future. When we began this journey, there was understandable apprehension, but seeing students confidently demonstrate their understanding of science through thoughtful models is deeply encouraging. It reaffirms that the right training creates lasting impact and I look forward to even greater participation and progress in the years ahead.”
Adding to this, Dr. Chaitanya Mungi, STEM Educator, IISER Pune, said: “I am truly encouraged to see students taking a keen interest in solving everyday problems whether from classrooms, homes, roads or farms and connecting innovation with real life observations. What stood out was how resource availability shaped their solutions where tools were accessible. They explored automated approaches where they were not they devised simple yet thoughtful innovations proving that limitations often spark creativity. As we collaborate with institutions like IISER and bring together teachers, parents and students it becomes clear that meaningful innovation begins with awareness and insight at every level. In today’s AI driven, information rich world it is equally important to help young minds question, verify and think critically. By equipping teachers and parents through focused pre sessions and expanding digital participation we can collectively prepare students to step confidently into the real world and create impactful solutions.”
The STEM Fest also included interactive learning zones designed to make science approachable and exciting for children and families. The environment encouraged experimentation, teamwork and curiosity, while giving students the confidence to explain their thinking and demonstrate how their ideas could translate into practical impact.
Award winners
Group A (Class 6 and 7)
- Awards presented by Shiksha Ma’am and Naresh Sir.
- Second Prize: Automatic tank overflow alarm system, Bharatiya Jain Sanghatna (BJS) School, Wagholi.
- First Prize: Smart Dry and Wet Waste Segregator, Vishnuji Shekuji Satav Vidyalay.
Group B (Class 8 and 9)
- Awards presented by Narendra and Vrushali
- Second Prize: Smart attendance classroom monitoring system, Bharatiya Jain Sanghatna (BJS) School, Wagholi.
- First Prize: Smart Agri Robot project, Bharatiya Jain Sanghatna (BJS) School, Wagholi.
Group C (Open Category)
The Open Category saw participation from different ages, schools and independent innovators. The category celebrated imagination, scientific thought process and solutions built around everyday challenges, including cost effective alternatives to expensive problems.
- Courageous Innovator Award: Mithila Kadam, 9 years old, Non-toxic alternative to play slime.
- Practical Solutions Creator: Arpit, Water dispenser.
- Tech Geek Award: Smart Classroom Project, Sadhana Kanya Vidyalay, Pimpri.
