Infosys Foundation USA, the philanthropic arm of IT services major Infosys, today launched 'Infy Maker Awards' programme, under which it will give prizes and grants worth USD one million (about Rs 6.6 crore).
The Foundation, which focuses on bridging the digital divide in America, will award 50 USD 10,000 Makerspace grants to schools, libraries and other community organisations.
"The programme is part of an ongoing commitment from Infosys Foundation USA to spark the spirit of making in everyday learning, and to celebrate makers of all ages across the US who demonstrate creative excellence," a statement said.
Each grant will be in cash and in kind, and will seed dynamic Makerspaces at each grantee location, it added.
The announcement comes amid Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit Bay area in the US where he is scheduled to meet top leaders from technology firms like Facebook, Google and Apple.
"The future is - and always has been - invented by those who can make. Making is a foundational skill that all students must acquire. Both computer programming and making are experiential in nature and build key skills such as problem solving, critical thinking, creativity and more," Infosys Foundation USA Chairperson Vandana Sikka said.
With the Infy Maker Awards, the intent is to empower today's makers, at schools and in communities across the US to inspire the next generation of inventors, she added.
As part of these grants, Infosys Foundation USA will also partner with Maker Ed, a non-profit organisation supporting educators and communities, to provide training and support to 100 teachers and instructors from grantee organisations across the US.
These leaders will become Infosys-Certified Maker Educators and support the Makerspaces.
In addition to the Makerspace grants, Infy Makers will commence the individual awards with two categories: school students (Up to 50 middle and high school students will win USD 1,000 each) and adults (Up to 25 adults will win USD 10,000 each).
