Kanpur, January 28, 2026: Reaffirming its commitment to societal outreach and promoting STEM education at the grassroots, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur is actively promoting scientific temper among schoolchildren through its innovative Science Bus Project. Designed and developed by IIT Kanpur, the initiative aims to popularize scientific temper, creative mindset, and hands-on learning among students in remote and underserved regions of Uttar Pradesh.

The Science Bus Project was initiated by Prof. Deepu Philip and Prof. Satyaki Roy, IIT Kanpur, in collaboration with the Council of Science & Technology, Uttar Pradesh (CST UP), realizing the vision of the honourable Chief Minister. Conceptualized as a mobile laboratory offering interactive learning experiences in Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Materials, and Design to children on a bus platform, the Science Bus is a first-of-its-kind initiative from its inception. It is well-equipped with a wide range of laboratory tools, scientific instruments, and learning materials that enable students to conduct hands-on experiments across multiple disciplines.

The children, particularly those from remote rural locations, underprivileged communities, and single-teacher schools, who are primarily dependent on classroom learning only, can now utilize the science bus to perform such experiments that they are unable to conduct otherwise. The bus is equipped with an industry-grade external studio that exhibits audio-visual demonstrations of experiments before engaging students in practical lab activities inside the bus. During these sessions, the scientific principles underlying each experiment are clearly and thoroughly explained to the students, and supplemented with additional learning materials in the form of hand-outs, pamphlets, brochures, etc.

Under the STEM outreach programme, the Science Bus offers an effective medium for promoting scientific awareness, enriching the regular school curriculum through live demonstrations, exhibitions, and interactive audio-visual presentations, thereby fostering curiosity, creativity, and analytical thinking among students. The Science Bus is envisioned to travel extensively across Uttar Pradesh, where the recent visit has been welcomed with great enthusiasm by schools and students alike. Participants display keen interest and excitement while conducting experiments and interacting with modern scientific equipment.

An expert outreach team from IIT Kanpur conducts these sessions, delivering information on various science-related experiments and modern equipment in a highly engaging and accessible manner. Live demonstrations include the use of telescopes, 3D printers, chemistry experiment setups, various physical science models , smart materials, etc., exposing students to advanced tools and contemporary scientific practices.

The Science Bus, bearing the registration UP78 LN7016, obtained all necessary permits from various government departments towards the end of 2025. At present, the Science Bus is stationed at the Veer Bahadur Singh Purvanchal University campus for approximately one month, from where it is visiting nearby schools. Through this initiative, a large number of students, including girls, are being provided with the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the experimental and practical aspects of science.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Vandana Singh, Vice-Chancellor, Veer Bahadur Singh Purvanchal University, along with Ms. Rachana Agarwal, Project Executive Officer, IIT Kanpur , emphasized that experimental learning plays a crucial role in fostering scientific curiosity, innovative thinking, and logical reasoning among students. They noted that initiatives such as the Science Bus extend science beyond textbooks and connect it with students’ everyday lives. This mobile exhibition provides hands-on exposure that strengthens practical understanding and inspires young minds across the region.

About IIT Kanpur

The Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, established in 1959, is recognized as an Institute of National Importance by the Government of India. Renowned for excellence in science, engineering, and interdisciplinary education, IIT Kanpur spans a 1,050-acre lush green campus and comprises 20 departments, 27 centres, three interdisciplinary programmes, and three specialized schools. With over 570 faculty members and more than 9,500 students, the institute continues to lead in innovation, research, and holistic development.

For more information, please visit: www.iitk.ac.in