By Matters India Reporter
MUMBAI, September 11, 2026: International STEAM Research (ISR) won a national award for its work using artificial intelligence to broaden educational opportunities and improve access to technology in underserved communities.
The organisation received the Special Recognition Award for AI for Social Impact at the TOI AI Quotient Awards, an annual artificial intelligence awards programme organised by The Times of India.
ISR is led by Kolkata-based educationist and AI entrepreneur George Panicker, whose organisation has introduced AI-integrated STEAM learning programmes, teacher training initiatives and community outreach projects aimed at making artificial intelligence accessible to learners in both urban and rural communities.
The award, presented by entrepreneur Anupam Mittal, recognised ISR’s efforts to combine science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics education with artificial intelligence to expand learning opportunities and empower communities.
Accepting the honour, Panicker said, “AI will not replace teachers. It will finally set them free.”
He described the recognition as part of a “metacognitive renaissance” in education and said AI should take over routine tasks such as grading and assessment, allowing teachers to focus on creativity, mentorship and human connection.
Panicker also reflected on the significance of the award.
“Being placed in the same league as companies such as TCS and hundreds of other AI companies, and being recognised by TOI and Shark Tank, was not easy,” he said.
Founded in 2020, ISR has introduced STEAM labs and educational toolkits in schools across India, enabling students to engage in hands-on learning experiences that incorporate AI. Its AI for All programmes aim to make artificial intelligence concepts accessible to learners in both urban and rural communities.
Through teacher-training workshops and community outreach initiatives, ISR has worked to extend technology access to underserved schools and villages while promoting AI literacy at the grassroots level.
The TOI AI Quotient Awards, organised by The Times of India in collaboration with Adrosonic as knowledge partner, featured categories spanning banking, financial services and insurance, healthcare, retail, manufacturing and media, along with awards recognising excellence in customer experience, operations and human resources.
Special jury honours, including Responsible AI, Women in AI Leadership and AI Leader of the Year, highlighted the importance of governance, diversity and ethical AI deployment.
The awards reflected the growing adoption of AI technologies across India, with organisations increasingly incorporating generative AI, predictive analytics and automation into core operations.
By recognising organisations such as ISR, the TOI AI Quotient Awards aim to spotlight initiatives that use artificial intelligence to drive both business transformation and social benefit, organizers said.
(Photo provided)