STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) are increasingly recognized as essential by global companies like Google, Tesla, and OpenAI, as well as by organizations such as UNESCO and the OECD.
STEM education equips students for careers in high-demand technology sectors by fostering analytical thinking and problem-solving skills. This is precisely the goal of the European project STEM-IT, which counts the Italian software company VITECO among its partners.
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What is STEM-IT?
STEM-IT, short for Immersive Technology in STEM Education, is an Erasmus+ initiative co-funded by the European Union that will be active from 2024 to 2026. Its goal is to transform STEM education in secondary schools through immersive technologies such as augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR).
Main objectives
STEM-IT aims to:
- promote STEM subjects through immersive and engaging learning experiences;
- provide transformative digital skills to both teachers and students, helping to shape a more inclusive and diverse future workforce;
- develop AR/VR content tailored for schools, enhancing the learning experience and supporting the integration of immersive technologies into teaching practices.
In short, STEM-IT seeks to introduce innovative educational tools that spark students’ interest in STEM subjects and make them easier to teach.
Consortium and partners
The project is coordinated by the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA) and involves several European partners, including:
- SCP School of Certified Professionals – specialized in innovative pedagogical approaches;
- MATH and VITECO, companies specialized in e-learning solutions and tools for vocational training – responsible for the AR/VR technology development and the e-learning platform;
- Directorate of Secondary Education of East Thessaloniki (DDE) and Newark School of Malta (NSM) – provide hands-on feedback directly from the school environment;
- Majorana and Pascal schools – associate partners contributing through direct classroom experience.
Operational phases
The project is structured into five key phases:
- Initial research to assess the current level of engagement and the benefits of using AR/VR technologies in STEM education;
- Development of immersive educational resources in biology, physics, geography, chemistry, and mathematics—easily integrated into classroom lessons;
- Teacher training programs aimed at strengthening both digital and pedagogical skills;
- Pilot testing in partner countries to evaluate the effectiveness of AR/VR resources in enhancing student motivation and interest;
- Publication of a teaching manual, including best practices, tutorials, and inclusive educational models.
Expected impact
STEM-IT aims to significantly boost student interest in STEM subjects, especially among female students, and support the digital transformation of European schools.
Accessibility and dissemination
All educational materials developed within the project—including reports, papers, and other publications—will be freely available on a dedicated digital platform to ensure widespread access and maximum impact across European schools.
STEM-IT is a valuable opportunity to take STEM education to the next level, offering innovative tools for engaging, inclusive, and future-oriented learning.
To learn more about the project, visit the dedicated STEM-IT page on the JO Group website, the business cluster that includes VITECO.
Interested in collaborating on future projects?
If you enjoyed STEM-IT and are interested in joining other innovative projects—especially those involving immersive and digital technologies for education—get in touch! Step into the JO World and discover a network of organizations ready to partner with you on European initiatives. Write to us today!