HCLFoundation and Pearson have launched a Discovery Science Center in Bengaluru to empower underprivileged students through Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) learning. The center aims to provide underserved students with critical thinking, creativity and innovation skills through immersive, application-based experiences. This initiative is expected to reach over 1,500 students annually, fostering curiosity and problem-solving abilities.

The launch expands the strategic partnership between HCL Technologies and Pearson to build skills using AI-powered technology. It builds upon a similar center established in Noida, which has already provided hands-on STEM learning to underserved communities. The new facility will offer year-round interventions, including STEM clubs, competitions and workshops.

Vishaal Gupta, India Chair and President of Enterprise Learning & Skills at Pearson, emphasized the importance of access to hands-on learning. He stated that the center provides students in underserved communities a place to explore and build skills. Nidhi Pundhir, Senior Vice President and Global Head of CSR at HCLTech, highlighted the combination of technology expertise and grassroots execution to build pathways for learners.

Earlier this year, HCLFoundation and Pearson partnered to support 400 students by equipping smart classrooms with smart boards and laptops. The initiative also provided tailored assistive devices to children with special needs, including those with visual impairments. This approach created a community-centric learning ecosystem designed to help children enroll in and stay in school.

Key Initiative Details

HCL Technologies announced an expanded partnership with Nokia to accelerate the adoption of autonomous networks through AI-driven network automation and the co-innovation of RAN applications (rApps). This strategic collaboration, revealed on June 24, 2026, positions HCL Technologies to strengthen Nokia's autonomous networks portfolio with its advanced suite of rApps. These applications are designed to enable communication service providers (CSPs) to transition toward AI-native, self-optimizing network operations, addressing evolving demands across 5G and future network architectures.

As part of the agreement, four new rApps developed by HCLTech have been listed on Nokia's SMO Marketplace. This exclusive placement facilitates easy access and deployment for global operators within an open, standards-based ecosystem. The partnership also establishes a long-term co-innovation roadmap to jointly develop next-generation rApps, reinforcing the commitment to openness, intelligence, and innovation in the network automation sector.

rApps Listed on Nokia's SMO Marketplace

The rApps introduced cover critical operational aspects of network management, as detailed below:

Leadership Perspective

Hari Sadarahalli, Corporate Vice President and Global Head, Engineering and R&D Services at HCLTech, emphasized the importance of a strong ecosystem approach. He stated that the partnership enables the delivery of scalable, AI-driven rApps, helping operators accelerate network automation and confidently advance toward self-driving networks.

Source: https://lodr-files.dhan.co/lodr-inputs/Company/INE860A01027/72773b18c7c04768.pdf