The launch of Young Tinker Space 1778 C at A.P. Model School, Madhapur, marks a transformative milestone in our journey to empower underserved students with 21st-century skills. This pioneering initiative is a result of a heartfelt collaboration between the Young Tinker Foundation and ServiceNow Hyderabad, both united by a shared vision to nurture innovation and creativity among young minds.
A School with a Purpose : A.P. Model School, Madhapur, stands as a beacon of hope for students from underserved communities. Founded by Mr. Raja Sekhar Abbu, a U.S.-based engineer who returned to India with a mission to create opportunities for underprivileged children, the school has become a hub for holistic and quality education. Mr. Abbu’s dedication stems from his belief that every child deserves access to resources and opportunities that can unlock their full potential. The school is committed to creating future leaders by blending strong academic programs with hands-on, experiential learning initiatives like the Young Tinker Space.
Just like our previous inaugurations, this inauguration took place after three months of the successful operation of the Young Tinker Space by the A.P. Model School team, during which the school earned the prestigious accreditation badge.
The inauguration showcased students presenting their pitches, highlighting what they had learned, along with their Tinker Book—a specially designed workbook for a year-long, curriculum-based program. The event instilled confidence in the students, which was evident as they confidently guided everyone on a tour of the Young Tinkerspace.
A Yearlong Journey of Learning and Innovation
At the heart of this collaboration lies a thoughtfully designed yearlong STEM curriculum for 200 students. This program is aimed at equipping them with practical knowledge and skills in cutting-edge domains such as:
- Robotics: Enabling students to design and build automated systems.
- Artificial Intelligence: Introducing the basics of machine learning and AI applications.
- 3D Printing: Providing hands-on experience with prototyping and additive manufacturing.
- IoT (Internet of Things): Teaching the integration of devices and sensors for smart systems.
- Entrepreneurship: Empowering students with the mindset and skills to turn ideas into impactful solutions.
An Inauguration to Remember
The inauguration event held on 25 January 2025, was a momentous occasion, graced by an esteemed gathering of leaders and changemakers whose presence added immense value to the celebration. From the ServiceNow Hyderabad team, we were honored to welcome: Mr. Praveen Damodaran (Vice President, Engineering – joined as the Chief Guest), Mrs. Supriya Saripalli (Chief of Staff), Mr. Murali Raj Kamal (Senior Manager, Product Team), Mr. Roja Puppala (Manager, Business Operations) Mr. Ajay Arcot (Accounting Manager), Mr. Saraja Panda (Director) Ms. Priyanka Sharma (Social Investments Manager).
Joining them were other distinguished guests and industry leaders: Mr. Ajit Rangnekar (Director General at Research and Innovation Circle of Hyderabad), Mr. Joginder Tenikella (CEO, T-Works – India’s Largest Prototyping Center), Mr. B.K. Mishra (Co-Founder, Crest’XO Executive Search and Advisory), Mr. Suren Poruri (Rotary Club of Global Wizards (District 3150)), Mr. Sidhartha Mohanty (Advisor, Young Tinker Foundation), Ms. Sapna Grover (Data & AI Leader, Microsoft).
Each of these leaders brought invaluable perspectives and encouragement, further solidifying the importance of industry-academia collaboration in shaping the next generation of innovators.
Mr. Ajit Rangnekar (Director General at Research and Innovation Circle of Hyderabad) shared, “Let us all work together to create a state of innovation. This is phenomenal work, and I extend my gratitude to all the stakeholders—Young Tinker Foundation, ServiceNow, and Rotary Club—for making this achievement possible.”
Mr. Joginder Tenikella (CEO, T-Works – India’s Largest Prototyping Center) remarked, “The Young Tinker Space and ToW—Tinker on Wheels models are incredibly scalable and replicable. The concept of ToW being implemented in a three-wheeler auto-rickshaw, designed to inspire out-of-box thinking, is truly impressive.”
Mr. Praveen Damodaran, VP, Engineering, Service Now stated, “Our strategic partnership with the Young Tinker Foundation is a step forward for innovation and impact. At ServiceNow, we are proud to support students from underprivileged communities in thinking differently. We are excited to collaborate further and positively impact more students.”
Mrs. Supriya Saripalli, Chief of Staff, Service Now shared, “The well-structured curriculum and impact assessment are remarkable, providing students with a better understanding of STEM. I was especially happy to see the girls presenting and explaining their projects so confidently. This will inspire many more girls to pursue STEM as a career.”
Mr. Anil Pradhan added, “We always inaugurate our projects after 2-3 months of successful operation. This approach allows collaborators to truly experience the impact of the Young Tinker Space. Congratulations to the A.P. Model School for earning the accreditation badge and to the teachers on the ground who underwent the mindset transformation program and delivered with excellence. Together, we made it happen!”
Beyond a STEM Lab: A Platform for Endless Possibilities
Young Tinker Space 1778 C is not just a lab; it is a platform for discovery and exploration. It is a space where students can dream, design, and build solutions to real-world challenges. By providing hands-on experiences with cutting-edge tools and technologies, this space aims to inspire young learners to embrace creativity, critical thinking, and innovation.
Gratitude and Looking Ahead: This achievement would not have been possible without the support of ServiceNow Hyderabad, whose belief in the transformative power of education has made a meaningful difference. Their contribution is a testament to how industries can play a pivotal role in shaping future generations. Together, with the dedication of educators, the passion of students, and the support of industry leaders, we are building a brighter future—one where innovation knows no boundaries and every child has the opportunity to thrive.
