Shashank Karnam – A Business Professional Driving Innovation in Education with Expertise and Remarkable Achievements

 

Shashank Karnam, Co-Founder, ScienceUtsav

 

 

Could you introduce yourself to the audience?

 

I am Shashank Karnam, Co-Founder of ScienceUtsav, an organization dedicated to making STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education interactive and engaging for children. Over the past 14 years, my education and engineering design journey has been driven by a passion for nurturing curiosity and problem-solving skills in young minds. My journey started in marine and offshore engineering before transitioning into the education sector, where I found my true calling—creating hands-on learning experiences that inspire future innovators.

 

 

Can you tell us about ScienceUtsav, including its inspiration, services, and most rewarding experiences?

 

ScienceUtsav, meaning "Festival of Science," was founded with the vision of making science as exciting as any other festival. Over the past ten years, we have pioneered the interactive STE(A)M ecosystem in schools and learning spaces. Our offerings include:

·         Tinkering Labs & MakerSpaces aligned with the STE(A)M curriculum for Grades 1 to 9, featuring robotics, coding, and hands-on STEM kits.

·         C-STEM Programs, which connect theoretical curriculum to real-world applications through research-based experiments, role plays, and problem-solving activities.

·         Science & STEAM Festivals, where children explore dramatized science shows, experience zones, and hands-on workshops.

·         Science-Themed Birthday Parties that engage children with exciting science experiments, fun demonstrations, and interactive activities, making learning a part of their special day. These unique celebrations instigate curiosity and creativity while guaranteeing an unforgettable experience.

One of the most rewarding experiences has been witnessing children develop 21st-century skills and innovate, whether it's building driverless cars like Tesla or conceptualizing their own digital assistants.

 

 

Could you share more about your educational background and how your professional journey led you to co-found ScienceUtsav?

 

I hold a Bachelor of Engineering in Industrial and Production from Visvesvaraya Technological University and completed my schooling at Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya. My career initially revolved around ship design and offshore engineering, working as a Design Consultant at companies like Odense Maritime Technology, Dubai Drydocks, and Conceptia.

However, my passion for education and experiential learning led me to co-found ScienceUtsav. I realized that the same problem-solving and engineering mindset needed in the industry should be instilled in children early on. With this goal, ScienceUtsav was born—to make science education hands-on, relatable, and exciting.

 

 

What are your areas of expertise, and how do you envision them evolving to contribute to your career growth and goals over the next 5 years?

 

My expertise includes engineering design, project management, and business development. Over the next five years, I aim to scale ScienceUtsav’s impact by integrating emerging technologies like AI, IoT, and VR into our STEAM programs. Additionally, I look forward to expanding our reach by collaborating with more schools, corporates, and educational institutions, ensuring that experiential learning becomes a norm rather than an exception.

 

 

Are there any upcoming projects or initiatives you’re particularly excited about?

 

We are currently working on expanding our Tinkering Labs & MakerSpaces across India, ensuring more students have access to hands-on STEM education. We are also developing advanced robotics and AI-based learning modules to bridge the gap between school education and industry requirements. Another exciting initiative is the expansion of our Science Festivals, making them bigger and more immersive for young learners.

 

 

Could you highlight your key skills and any certifications that have contributed to your expertise?

 

Some of my key skills include:

·         Engineering Design & Project Management

·         Business Development & Client Relations

·         STEAM Education & Curriculum Development

·         Agile & Scrum Project Management

I have also earned certifications in Leading with Emotional Intelligence and Successful Goal Setting, which have helped me effectively manage teams and drive ScienceUtsav’s mission forward.

 

 

How do you envision the role of STEAM education evolving in India over the next decade, and what advice would you give to young entrepreneurs in edtech and STEAM-based ventures?

 

STEAM education in India is at a crucial turning point. With NEP 2020 emphasizing experiential learning, the future will see a shift towards more hands-on, interdisciplinary, and tech-integrated education. Schools and institutions will increasingly adopt Tinkering Labs, AI-driven learning, and maker spaces to prepare students for real-world problem-solving.

For young entrepreneurs in edtech and STEAM, my advice is:

·         Focus on meaningful learning experiences, not just content delivery.

·         Leverage technology to enhance engagement rather than replace teachers.

·         Collaborate with educators, industry experts, and policymakers to drive systemic change.

·         Be patient and persistent—education is a long-term game, but the impact is lasting and transformative.