STMicroelectronics organized a press briefing in India to showcase the work of the ST Foundation. The event was not merely a corporate update; it reflected ST’s core value, “Our technology starts with you,” and the company’s commitment to social inclusion. The briefing emphasized how ST’s technology and expertise are directed toward societal development, particularly for underprivileged communities in remote regions where access to education and digital resources remains limited.
The event was hosted at the ST India Greater Noida center, bringing together global and India leadership from the ST Foundation and STMicroelectronics. The international hosts—Pietro Palella, President of the ST Foundation; Renato Sirtori, ST Foundation Board Member and Representative for Asia; and Giovanna Bottani, ST Foundation Director of Operations—joined the proceedings via video conference. Representing ST Foundation India on site were Chhavi Bajpai, Director, and Kamal Deep Jain, Country Manager and Asia Operations Coordinator. The session also included Barbara Lisei, STMicroelectronics–ST Foundation Communications Lead, contributing to the event’s coordination and outreach
ST Foundation and its Mission
The ST Foundation, established in 2001, is the non-profit corporate foundation of STMicroelectronics. Its mission is to bridge the digital divide by providing digital literacy, basic science education, and essential technology knowledge to underserved populations. These initiatives enable disadvantaged groups to access information, build practical skills, and create pathways toward financial independence and improved living standards.
ST Foundation Global Network
It is inspiring to see that the ST Foundation’s presence is not limited to regions where STMicroelectronics has a physical footprint like Geneva (HQ), India, Morocco, the Philippines, and Italy (BDD Italy) but it is also active in countries through partner-led initiatives in non-ST countries including Burundi, Senegal, and Sierra Leone.
The Foundation carries out its initiatives through a strong and committed network of partner organizations and these partners acts as local arms and work closely with the Foundation’s headquarters in Geneva and ST volunteers.
Digital Unify: The Foundation’s Global Education Program
Digital unify is ST Foundation flagship initiative which aims to reduce the digital divide through structured digital skills training. The program is delivered in partnership with local governments, NGOs, schools, and ST volunteers, ensuring strong local ownership and long-term sustainability.
Digital Unify offers learning pathways across different levels and age groups, including:
- Introduction to Computer Basics (ICB): foundational digital literacy skills
- Basic coding: developing logical thinking and digital creativity
- Advanced digital skills: supporting employability and continued learning
- Tablet for Seniors: enabling autonomy and social inclusion for older adults
- Tablet for Kids: encouraging responsible and educational use of digital tools from an early age
- Courses for visually impaired people: ensuring accessibility and inclusive learning opportunities
ST Foundation India
Chhavi Bajpai, Director of ST Foundation India, shared an overview of the Foundation’s journey and impact in the country. She noted that Digital Unify activities in India began as early as 2003–2004, with the organization later formalizing its presence as a Section 8 nonprofit in March 2018. Over the past two decades, the program has grown from a single Digital Unify lab to more than 56 labs across 11 states, working in partnership with 18 carefully selected NGOs. Through this community-based, partnership-driven model—supported by due diligence and formal MoUs with partners—the initiative has reached over 180,000 trainees to date, including more than 19,000 in the last year alone.
She emphasized that this scale and sustainability have been enabled by strong support from STMicroelectronics, including dedicated funding, equipment donations, and active employee volunteering, with 24 volunteers currently engaged in program delivery and capacity building.
ST Foundation India -Impact
T4K on Wheel – Tablet for Kids on “Wheel”
Since 2022, this mobile digital learning initiative with Navjyoti India Foundation has reached 2,500+ underserved children (ages 9–13) in Delhi, providing first-time tablet literacy and planning expansion to remote areas.
ICB for incarcerated people
In partnership with India Vision Foundation, ST Foundation has trained 3,300+ incarcerated or formerly incarcerated individuals in Uttar Pradesh and Delhi over three years in digital literacy, computer skills, and online safety to support reintegration.
ICB for visually impaired (ICB4VI)
This program builds accessible digital skills for visually impaired learners. A train-the-trainer model prepared 15 instructors, and a 2024 pilot with 17 girls showed improved confidence and learning, with national expansion planned.
IFCCI CSR Project of the Year award
ST Foundation India’s Digital Unify program won the 2025 IFCCI CSR Project of the Year award, recognizing its measurable impact and leadership in digital inclusion.
ST Foundation Impact in Asia — Key Highlights
- 96 Digital Unify labs operating across Asia
- Training approximately 26,000 beneficiaries per year
- Supported by 88 active volunteers
What makes ST Foundation approach different
The ST Foundation works differently from many NGOs that mainly provide funding. Instead, it focuses on directly running programs and building skills within local communities. Its approach is very people-centered—bringing in skilled volunteers and using a “train-the-trainers” model so participants can continue teaching others. This helps ensure that knowledge stays within the community and can grow over time. By strengthening digital skills in this way, the Foundation aims to create real opportunities, promote inclusion, and support long-term independence.
