The GE Aerospace Foundation has announced a new partnership with United Way Bengaluru (UWBe) to launch the Next Engineers programme in India’s technology hub. The initiative, beginning in early 2026, will give students in Bengaluru greater access to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education while strengthening the pipeline of future engineering leaders.
Next Engineers is designed for students aged 13 to 18 and provides a combination of hands-on learning, career exposure and university preparation. The programme’s aim is to inspire more young people from diverse backgrounds to pursue engineering careers, thereby addressing the growing demand for skilled engineers worldwide. To date, Next Engineers has reached more than 26,000 students across several countries, and Bengaluru will be the first city in the Asia-Pacific region to join the initiative.
United Way Bengaluru, which has a 17-year record of addressing critical social issues through collaborative partnerships, will be responsible for running the programme locally. Its experience, combined with GE Aerospace’s long-standing volunteer presence in Bengaluru, will create an encouraging environment for students. This support structure is expected to help participants build confidence and envision themselves in future engineering roles.
The programme will be delivered through two main strands. Engineering Discovery will target early secondary school pupils, offering engaging activities to spark interest in engineering. Engineering Academy, meanwhile, is tailored for older students preparing for university. This academy will feature immersive design challenges, career coaching and readiness workshops to equip participants for higher education. Students who complete the Academy and go on to pursue engineering degrees will also be eligible for scholarships, providing further incentive and support.
Over the course of four years, the Bengaluru programme aims to reach more than 4,000 students. The global expansion follows launches in Warsaw, Poland, and Cincinnati, Ohio, and is backed by GE Aerospace Foundation’s commitment of up to US$20 million over five years, extending the initiative to at least 2030.
By investing in the engineers of tomorrow, this initiative not only benefits individual students but also contributes to the long-term growth and innovation capacity of the wider community.
