Future-Ready: Atlas Axillia and Nalanda College Launch High-Tech Tinkering Lab
Atlas Axillia and Nalanda College partner with India's Atal Innovation Mission to launch a STEM-focused Tinkering Lab for Sri Lankan students.
In a major move to equip the youth of Sri Lanka for a technology-centric future, Atlas Axillia, the learning-focused arm of Hemas Holdings PLC, has joined forces with Nalanda College to inaugurate a state-of-the-art Tinkering Lab. Located within the Nalanda Innovation Center, this facility is designed to transform how students engage with science and technology, moving beyond the confines of textbooks to embrace hands-on creation.
A Bridge Between Theory and Reality
The Tinkering Lab is more than just a classroom; it is a resource-rich environment where Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) meet the arts. By integrating scientific concepts with creative exploration and entrepreneurship, the lab allows students to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world challenges.
Students will have the opportunity to experiment with cutting-edge fields, including:
- Robotics: Building and programming autonomous machines.
- Artificial Intelligence (AI): Exploring the potential of machine learning.
- Design Thinking: Developing human-centric solutions to complex problems.
International Collaboration and Indian Expertise
The project is a testament to international cooperation, featuring significant technical expertise from India. The Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) under NITI Aayog is providing the specialized curricula and training support, with the entire initiative facilitated by the High Commission of India.
Santosh Jha, India's High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, highlighted the impact of this partnership, noting that the Atal Innovation Mission has already fostered a culture of curiosity across thousands of schools in India. He expressed confidence that bringing this expertise to Sri Lanka would inspire young minds to become agents of innovation using emerging technologies.
Empowering the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs
Ashish Chandra, Group CEO of Hemas Holdings PLC, emphasized that true empowerment comes from providing children with the tools and confidence to shape their own destinies. He noted that while Atlas Axillia has long provided foundational learning tools, the Tinkering Lab represents an evolution toward nurturing resilience and an entrepreneurial mindset, helping students become practical problem-solvers.
A Hub for Complete Innovation
The Nalanda Innovation Center, housed in the college's Centenary Building, is structured to support the entire lifecycle of an idea—from the initial spark to the final prototype. The center boasts a variety of specialized facilities, including:
- DIY Innovation Lab: A space for raw experimentation.
- Advanced Fabrication Lab: Equipped for digital manufacturing and 3D printing.
- Immersive Tech Zones: Dedicated areas for Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR).
- Specialized Tech: Spaces focused on agricultural technology and the arts.
"The world is evolving at an unprecedented pace, and our students must graduate with capacities in adaptability, teamwork and creative courage," said Mahela Jayawardene, an alumnus of Nalanda College and representative of the Centenary Committee.
Jayawardene added that as the college celebrates a century of excellence, the Tinkering Lab provides a world-class platform for students to lead in an AI-powered world, ensuring they are prepared for the demands of the next hundred years.