In a remarkable display of innovation and data-driven insights, the NetApp Headquarters in Bengaluru recently hosted the Grand Showcase Event of the NetApp Data Explorers Program. The program was implemented in collaboration with India STEM Foundation and highlighted the importance of data in solving real-world problems.
Four randomly selected teams from schools including Christel House, Parikrma Center for Learning, S M English School, and Sri Saraswathi Vidyanikethan, showcased their insightful projects made after many enriching sessions offered by our volunteers, and after months of carefully analysing the data they successfully shared their insights through remarkable presentations and skits in front of our honourable judges. The data was collected using the CODAP tool (Common Online Data Analysis Platform) and the teams through their presentations addressed pressing societal issues. The students, while highlighting the problems based on the data they collected, also offered plausible solutions to the problems. What was special was how they mixed science and art, turning STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) into STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics). It was a great example of how young people can use their skills to make a difference.
Teams that got the Opportunity to present their Data and Research at the Grand Showcase Event were:
| Schools | Topics |
| Christel House | River Water Pollution In India |
| Parikrma Center For Learning | Crime Against Women In India |
| S M English School | Youth Employment and Unemployment Rates |
| Sri Saraswathi Vidyanikethan | Mental Health Disorders |
About NetApp
NetApp is a global leader in cloud data services, empowering organizations to harness the full potential of their data to achieve business success. With innovative solutions and a commitment to customer success, NetApp is driving digital transformation and enabling organizations to thrive in a data-driven world.
India STEM Foundation
India STEM Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education and fostering innovation and creativity among students. Through various initiatives and programs and a goal to make STEM Education accessible to all, India STEM Foundation is nurturing the next generation of innovators and problem-solvers, making India Future-proof and Future-ready. By reaching 2000+ schools and having engaged 530k+ students and teachers across India, India STEM Foundation has successfully delivered 6 Million hours of STEM Education so far and aims to continue creating the impact.
NetApp Data Explorers Program
The NetApp Data Explorers Program is an initiative aimed at empowering students with data science skills and fostering a holistic approach to education. During the NetApp DE program 2025, students collected data on major societal and global issues using the CODAP tool (Common Online Data Analysis Platform). The whole Aim of the program as highlighted by Mr Akhil Airan is to induce in students the art of questioning and thinking in a solution-oriented manner. The main Objective of this program is to empower students with essential data skills, preparing them for future academic and professional opportunities in the rapidly evolving digital world. Additionally, the program also ensures that teachers are well-equipped to continue fostering these skills in their classrooms. Thus through hands-on training, innovative projects, and collaborative learning, the program equips students with the tools and knowledge needed to thrive in a data-driven world.
The Impact Created
The Data Explorer Program was launched in October 2024, aiming at
enhancing data literacy among students in secondary education, mainly students between class 6th to 10th. The program began with 7 schools on board and successfully engaged 780 students. In addition, 25 teachers were trained to help integrate the program’s resources and skills into their classrooms. Over the course of the program, a total of 16 offline sessions were conducted, providing hands-on training and practical insights into the world of data exploration, analysis, and interpretation.
A total of 80 teams participated in the pre-showcase event, where they
presented their data-related projects. This event provided students with the
opportunity to showcase their learning and the projects they developed
during the program. After the pre-showcase, four teams were selected to present their projects in the final showcase event, which was held on March 12th, 2025 at the NetApp
office in Bengaluru. This final event allowed students to present their
innovative ideas to a wider audience and gain recognition for their hard
work and creativity.
The event was graced by Mrs. Vasanthi Ramesh, Managing Director of NetApp,
who was the chief guest of the program. Mrs. Vasanthi Ramesh highlighted how these students were the hope and were in the process of creating a lasting impact for the future-generations to come.
The impact of the Grand Showcase Event on the students was immense, as witnessed by NetApp professionals, evoking a heartwarming sense of satisfaction for bringing a change. The dedication of the students and teachers from the participating schools played a pivotal role in the success of the event. NetApp stands by its principle of creating youth awareness through data literacy and inspiring them to be change-makers by internalizing that change at any level starts with them. The NetApp Data Explorers Program Grand Showcase Event stands as a testament to the transformative power of blending STEM disciplines with the arts, enriching the educational landscape and equipping students with a comprehensive skill set for the future.