The 2025 Honeywell Leadership Challenge Academy, a week-long intensive STEM and leadership programme held in the United States, was recently attended by 13 students from Bengaluru and Pune. The Space & Rocket Centre is located in Huntsville, Alabama.

Students participated in real-world astronaut training simulations, rocket design and launches, multi-axis and lunar gravity exercises, and mission control-style leadership tasks as part of this program, which gave them uncommon access to practical aerospace and engineering experiences. In order to assist children in relating their love of science and technology to potential vocations, these exercises were created to pique their interest in high-demand occupations in advanced manufacturing, robotics, and aerospace.

More than 250 students from more than 40 countries and 20 U.S. states and territories participate in the programme, which is currently in its 15th year. Participants are chosen through a competitive application procedure and represent students from local nonprofit partners worldwide as well as the children of Honeywell employees.

Honeywell, India, was pleased to assist 13 students from Bengaluru and Pune this year, reaffirming the company’s conviction that funding youth education is essential to igniting interest in STEM and producing the next generation of Futureshapers.

Nearly 3,000 students have benefited from the Honeywell Leadership Challenge Academy since its launch in 2010. It provides high-achieving teenagers with a potent platform to boost their self-esteem, hone their cross-cultural leadership abilities, and visualise their future in the global workforce.

“Honeywell views programmes like this as essential to building the next generation of problem-solvers and innovators, as STEM occupations continue to outpace other job sectors,” stated Arppna Mehra, vice president of human resources at Honeywell India. “Honeywell is creating a more diverse and competitive workforce for the future by investing in students early on through immersive, international experiences that develop both technical and leadership skills.”

Combining education, practical challenges, and international collaboration, the Honeywell Leadership Challenge Academy was a life-changing event. Additionally, I had the chance to interact with students from throughout the globe, which enhanced my understanding of various viewpoints. I was greatly inspired to investigate previously unconsidered fields of science and technology by the experts’ advice and ideas. According to Neo Bardeskar, a student from Bengaluru, India, “Participating in the academy has truly shaped the way I see my future and the opportunities ahead of me.”

It was absolutely amazing to be a part of the Honeywell Leadership Challenge Academy. I learnt how crucial teamwork and creativity are in resolving real-world issues from the combination of science, technology, and leadership exercises. I learnt how different ideas may combine to produce effective solutions from interacting with students from other nations. Mahika Gudimetla, a student from Bengaluru, India, stated, “This programme has given me more confidence and inspired me to dream bigger.”