AP Science City ignites scientific curiosity among students, earns national and Asian recognition

VIJAYAWADA: The ambitious initiatives of AP Science City are steadily transforming the scientific learning landscape in Andhra Pradesh, drawing widespread appreciation from educators, parents and students while also earning recognition in prestigious record books.One of the flagship programmes, “Science Samagra Mahotsav – 2K26,” has secured a place in both the India Book of Records and the Asian Book of Records, marking a rare achievement for a science outreach initiative in the state. Education experts say the programme stands out for its scale and inclusivity. More than 30,000 students from 4,118 schools across the state participated in the event, which aimed at nurturing scientific thinking and innovation among young learners studying in Classes 6 to 9. The programme allowed students from both government and private schools to present innovative science projects. Their ideas were evaluated through a rigorous four-stage selection process at the village, mandal, district and state levels, overseen by expert jury panels.Projects were assessed based on several parameters including innovation, scientific clarity, practical applicability, teamwork and environmental sustainability. Finally, one project from each of the 26 districts was selected through a transparent evaluation process. Educators believe that such initiatives are crucial in encouraging students to pursue scientific inquiry and critical thinking at an early age. The programme also demonstrated the growing role of the science city in promoting innovation. Under the leadership of its CEO Kesineni Venkateswarlu, the institution has been designing programmes that connect students directly with scientific experimentation and problem-solving.Earlier, the organisation had drawn national attention when it successfully conducted a Rocketry Challenge that attracted engineering students from across the country. The event highlighted the state’s potential to emerge as a hub for science education and technological innovation. Experts believe such initiatives are especially important at a time when young minds are often distracted by non-academic debates and social media trends. “Young CEO Kesineni Venkateswarlu’s relentless efforts to ignite scientific curiosity among students are the need of the hour. Encouraging young people to focus on science and technology will help them understand facts and prepare them to become future researchers,” observed a former university vice-chancellor. The science city currently functions under the infrastructure and investment department. However, several experts and academicians feel that the institution could benefit from being brought under the education ecosystem led by HRD minister Nara Lokesh, who has been spearheading reforms aimed at revamping the state’s education sector. They argue that closer integration with the education department would help expand science outreach programmes and connect more schools with hands-on scientific learning. The broader vision of the initiative aligns with the goal of chief minister N. Chandrababu Naidu to ensure that every student in the state develops into a globally competitive learner equipped with scientific skills and innovative thinking.By taking science education beyond textbooks and into classrooms, laboratories and innovation challenges, AP Science City is gradually building a vibrant ecosystem that encourages curiosity, experimentation and discovery among the next generation.