Singapore's Novi Education launches NASA-backed space STEM programme internationally

Banking sector heavyweight partners with Space Center Houston to launch accessible to all education initiative.

Novi Education, a Singapore-incorporated global education company co-founded by Francesco De Ferrari, has unveiled “Moonshot”, an innovative after-school programme. The programme aims to inspire students to explore STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) subjects through the lens of space exploration. De Ferrari, a former Credit Suisse executive and CEO of the bank's Asia Pacific private banking division, brings his extensive experience in wealth management and international business to the new educational venture.

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Developed in collaboration with Space Center Houston, NASA's official visitor centre, Moonshot is set to revolutionise global education. De Ferrari's shift from finance to education reflects a growing trend of business leaders applying their expertise to address global challenges in learning and development.

The programme’s official launch in April took place in Rome, marking a milestone in the partnership between Novi Education and Space Center Houston. The event was attended by notable figures, such as Lorenzo Fioramonti, Director of the Institute of Sustainability at Surrey University, as well as various ministers, stakeholders and influential personalities from the education and space sectors.

"The expression 'moonshot' has been synonymous with ambitious goals and dreams that become reality. It's a perfect name for the educational programme we're bringing to Italy and [more broadly] Europe," says William T. Harris, President and CEO of Space Center Houston, emphasising the importance of the programme. Harris continues by highlighting the rapid growth of the space economy, which is currently valued at $478b annually and expected to reach $1t by 2030.

Moonshot targets students aged 7 to 18, aiming to attract, excite, and engage them in STEM subjects by leveraging the world of space exploration. The pilot project has already involved 600 students from two private English-language institutes in Italy, namely, Acorn House International Bilingual School in Rome and Smiling International School in Ferrara.

The programme's curriculum incorporates hands-on activities, interactive simulations, and real-world problem-solving exercises related to space missions and technologies. This approach aims to foster critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration amongst students—skills essential for success in the 21st-century workforce.

One unique aspect of the Moonshot programme is its focus on interdisciplinary learning. By integrating space exploration themes into various subjects, including physics, biology, mathematics, art, and literature, students gain a holistic understanding of how different fields of study interconnect with real-world application.

Novi Education aims to make Moonshot scalable and accessible, including to public schools, aligning with the company's mission to inspire the world to learn and prepare students for a better future. The company is also exploring partnerships with local educational institutions and government agencies to adapt the programme to different cultural contexts and educational systems.

As the Moonshot rolls out, educators and parents will closely monitor its impact on student engagement and academic performance. Early feedback from the pilot programme has been positive, with students reporting increased interest in STEM subjects and a better understanding of potential careers in the space industry.

The success of Moonshot could pave the way for similar programmes worldwide, blending traditional education with cutting-edge applied science. It addresses the need for a skilled workforce in the expanding space sector, preparing students for future opportunities.

With the launch of Moonshot, Novi Education is at the forefront of innovative educational practices, setting  a new standard for global STEM education programmes. The company's approach, merging educational expertise with business insights, exemplifies a model for future educational endeavours.

As the programme expands, Novi Education plans to develop additional resources, including online platforms and teacher training programmes, to support the implementation of Moonshot’s implementation in diverse educational settings. This comprehensive strategy ensures that the benefits of space education are accessible to students of all socioeconomic backgrounds and locations.