June 11, 2026: The Indian Institute of Technology Ropar has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with leading ed-tech nonprofit, Rocket Learning, to advance the upskilling of public frontline staff and early childhood caregivers across India. The collaboration brings together IIT Ropar’s research expertise and institutional capabilities with Rocket Learning’s large-scale grassroots reach in early childhood and foundational learning.
The MoU was signed by Prof. Rajeev Ahuja, Director, IIT Ropar, and Azeez Gupta, Co-Founder, Rocket Learning, in the presence of Dr. Sarang Gumfekar, Dean, IIT Ropar, and Namya Mahajan, Co-Founder, Rocket Learning.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Rajeev Ahuja, Director, IIT Ropar, said, “IIT Ropar has always believed that the true measure of an institution’s impact is how it serves society’s most pressing needs. Early childhood development is one of the most under-resourced yet most consequential areas of social investment. Through this partnership, IIT Ropar will bring its research depth and technological expertise to help build a generation of skilled, confident caregivers who can change the life trajectory of millions of children.”
Dr. Sarang Gumfekar, Dean, IIT Ropar, added, “IIT Ropar is committed to impacting India’s trajectory in a positive way. There can be no better way than collaborating with civil society, government, and communities to make advanced technology and credentials accessible to the most underserved.”
Commenting on the partnership, Azeez Gupta and Namya Mahajan, Co-Founders – Rocket Learning, said, “We have seen firsthand what a skilled, confident adult can do for a child’s life. IIT Ropar brings the kind of institutional credibility and expertise that can help us use AI and technology for large-scale social good.”
Early childhood development, covering children from birth to six years of age, is widely recognised as the most impactful window for social intervention. Despite its proven significance, this domain remains critically under-resourced in India. This MoU reflects IIT Ropar’s commitment to applying rigorous research, AI, and digital innovation toward a cause that directly shapes a child’s cognitive development, foundational literacy, and lifelong learning outcomes.
Under this partnership, IIT Ropar and Rocket Learning will work together on developing and deploying technology-enabled training programs and support systems for Anganwadi educators, parents and other frontline caregivers. The collaboration aligns with IIT Ropar’s broader mission of leveraging academic and technological excellence for measurable social good.
Rocket Learning currently works with government systems across 16 states and union territories and over 200 districts, having impacted 6 million children between birth and six years of age across 500,000 classrooms, including 400,000 Anganwadi educators. The organisation aims to reach 50 million underserved children by 2030.
About IIT Ropar
Indian Institute of Technology Ropar (IIT Ropar) is a premier Institute of National Importance established by the Government of India in 2008. Located in Rupnagar, Punjab, IIT Ropar is committed to excellence in education, research, and innovation. The Institute actively pursues collaborations with government, industry, and civil society to apply technology and knowledge for national development and social impact. www.iitrpr.ac.in
About Rocket Learning:
Rocket Learning is a leading ed-tech nonprofit focused on transforming early childhood and foundational learning outcomes at scale. Eighty five percent of brain development happens before the age of six, making early learning extremely critical. By leveraging technology, behavioral insights, and strong government partnerships, Rocket Learning empowers parents, teachers and frontline educators to drive measurable improvements in children’s learning. Working directly with government systems across 16 states and union territories and 200+ districts, within 5 years the organisation has impacted 6 million children between birth to 6 years of age across 500,000 classrooms, including 400,000 Anganwadi Educators. Empowering parents and Anganwadi educators, Rocket Learning is driving high-impact, data-driven interventions that strengthen foundational literacy and numeracy. Through responsible use of AI and digital innovation, Rocket Learning is striving to make quality early education accessible, inclusive, and effective for every child, with an aim to positively impact 50 million underserved children by 2030. https://rocketlearning.org/
