About Us - STEM2ignite

Our Story

What began as a small robotics summer camp in 2025 has evolved into a comprehensive youth-driven STEM organization.

In the summer of 2025, Vivaan and Virat Ponugoti, sophomores at Conestoga High School, brought their vision to life. After volunteering as instructors at a Robotics Summer Camp in Lower Merion, they organized a local camp in Berwyn using borrowed VEX kits.

With workspace sponsored by Stacey Ballard of EADEH Enterprises and guidance from leaders such as Frank Farrell of FIRST Mid-Atlantic Robotics and Bill Lynch of Isolite Corporation, the team successfully enrolled 13 students and raised $2,500 in seed funding.

This early success led to the formation of FIRST Robotics Competition Team 10989 Blast Robotics and the creation of Keystone STEM Alliance Inc. as a nonprofit to support sustainable growth.

Our Mission

To educate, empower, and inspire Gen Z and Gen Alpha students by providing hands-on STEM experiences, leadership opportunities, and career-oriented skill development.

Through robotics, innovation challenges, and community engagement, we prepare young minds to become ethical leaders, creative problem-solvers, and change-makers in a rapidly evolving world.

Our Vision

To create a sustainable ecosystem of STEM learning and leadership where every student has access to the tools, mentorship, and opportunities needed to thrive.

We envision a future where youth innovation drives technological progress, community resilience, and global impact—shaping a world that is inclusive, innovative, and sustainable.

Our Goals

Expand Equitable Access

Serve more than 200 students annually across the Main Line region, ensuring students from diverse and underserved backgrounds have access to real engineering tools and mentorship.

Build Maker & Tinker Labs

Develop comprehensive labs with CNC machining, laser cutting, 3D printing, and fabrication tools to serve as a regional STEM resource.

Strengthen Robotics Pipeline

Build a vertically integrated FLL → FTC → FRC pathway, establishing at least five new teams across the pipeline by 2026.

Global STEM Outreach

Deliver STEM workshops to 1,000+ students worldwide annually through STEM2ignite, particularly in under-resourced communities.

Sustainable Partnerships

Build long-term partnerships with corporations and foundations to raise $250,000 annually for facilities, equipment, and scholarships.

Leadership Team

Experienced professionals dedicated to youth empowerment through STEM

Virat Ponugoti

Director of STEM2ignite & Lead Coach

Co-founder of Keystone STEM Alliance and lead coach for the STEM2ignite program, focused on global STEM outreach and education.

Vivaan Ponugoti

Director of Robotics Programs & Lead Coach

Co-founder of Keystone STEM Alliance and lead coach for FRC Team 10989 Blast Robotics, with a passion for youth empowerment through STEM.

Awards & Recognition

🏆

Gardener Award

RampRiot 2025 - Wissahickon High School, PA

Recognizing teams that cultivate and nurture STEAM activities within their team, school, and community. This judged award celebrates extraordinary enthusiasm for science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics.

Encouraging new members to explore robotics and learn hands-on engineering skills
Using RampRiot as a training platform to develop new capabilities
Building a culture of teamwork, creativity, and continuous learning

Organization Profile

Established

April 8, 2025

Organization Type

Registered 501(c)(3) Nonprofit

EIN

39-3589749

Location

Berwyn, PA 19312

Focus Areas

STEM Education, Robotics, Leadership

Website

keystonestemai.org