AR App Brings 3D Learning to 121 Tribal Schools in India

Picture trying to memorize how a heart works from a flat textbook diagram, then suddenly watching it beat in 3D right in front of you. That's the transformation happening for thousands of tribal students in Maharashtra, where an offline AR app is turning abstract concepts into touchable wonder.

TutAR, created by Kochi-based startup Infusory, now serves 121 tribal schools under Maharashtra's Tribal School Infrastructure Enhancement Programme. Students from nursery through Class XII can zoom inside atoms, walk among planets, and explore the chambers of a human heart without ever leaving their desks.

The technology solves a critical problem: most AR requires stable internet and expensive equipment. TutAR works completely offline with just a tablet or projector, making it perfect for remote areas where connectivity is spotty or nonexistent.

Founder Thomson Tom's journey started with a single moment of awe. As a student, he slipped on a VR headset and found himself standing before the Taj Mahal without leaving his room. That experience planted a seed.

In 2018, Tom and co-founder Shyam Pradeep Alil launched Infusory with support from Kerala Startup Mission. Their philosophy was clear: technology shouldn't replace teachers but empower them with better tools.

The Ripple Effect

Today, Infusory reaches 5,000+ schools and 100,000 teachers across India and internationally. But its impact in Maharashtra's tribal schools matters most, closing a learning gap that has existed for generations.

These students now access the same visual learning experiences that urban private schools offer. A child in a remote tribal village can explore molecular structures just as clearly as a student in Mumbai's finest classroom.

Teachers report feeling energized again, watching concepts click instantly for students who previously struggled with abstract ideas. Learning transforms from memorization into exploration.

The project aligns with India's National Education Policy 2020, which emphasizes experiential learning and educational equity. When technology meets genuine intent to serve underserved communities, classrooms don't just change, they come alive.