STEM Lab

What STEM Lab does

STEM Lab (The STEM Lab) is a South Carolina-based STEM education provider serving children and families across the Columbia, Elgin, Irmo, Chapin, and West Carolina metros. The organization delivers hands-on STEM programs for ages 6-18 through its Innovation Hub physical location, school-based afterschool partnerships, summer and holiday camps, weekend bootcamps, birthday parties, homeschool cohorts, and First LEGO League / SC 4-H Engineering Challenge competitive teams. Curriculum spans 40+ courses and 1,200+ hours of instruction covering robotics, coding, biomedical science, chemistry, neuroscience, AI, economics, finance, and drone flight, built on the proprietary 4 Dimensional Learning Framework and aligned to NGSS and Common Core standards. Programs are designed by engineers and industry professionals led by founder Gaurav Sangal, who holds a Masters in Electrical Engineering and Global MBA with 14+ years at Fortune 500 technology companies.

The company operates a hybrid physical-and-digital model. Physical delivery runs through the Columbia Innovation Hub (four age-tiered tracks at $130/month), 15+ partner school sites including Gray Collegiate Academy's multi-campus footprint, and recurring holiday camps across school breaks. Digital delivery runs through The STEM Lab Library, a browser-based interactive learning suite launched in 2024 covering 12+ STEM subjects with first-principles simulations, gamified monthly challenges, an AP exam prep suite, and COPPA-compliant school licensing at $899/year for up to 1,000 students. The platform integrates with Google Classroom and Canvas LMS for classroom distribution.

STEM Lab monetizes through subscription afterschool tuition ($130/month plus $30 registration), Genius Membership at $149/year (8% discount and priority enrollment), birthday parties at $295 per event, individual library subscriptions at $99.99/year, school library licenses at $899/year, teacher training and curriculum licensing for replication in new markets, and branded merchandise. The organization operates as an authorized STEM for Kids franchise location and is founder-owned with no disclosed external funding. Voted best after-school program and summer camp in South Carolina for consecutive years, with multiple First LEGO League and SC 4-H championships and 5,000+ students trained since founding.

Name

STEM Lab

Legal name

The STEM Lab

Website

http://www.thestemlabsc.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2018

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

STEM Lab provides hands-on STEM education programs for children ages 6-18 across South Carolina, delivered through the Innovation Hub, 15+ school partnerships, summer and holiday camps, and a browser-based interactive learning platform with licensing for schools.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

STEM Education Services

NAICS

All Other Schools and Instruction (61169), Other Technical and Trade Schools (611519)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Hands-on Science Exploration & Experiments (Lab Kits, Science Clubs) (EDAMABAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

STEM, Digital Literacy & Maker Education Nonprofits (BPAGADAG), STEM Lab Management & Classroom Device Integration Platforms (EDAFANAL)

Keywords

• STEM education programs
• After-school enrichment
• Summer STEM camps
• Interactive STEM learning
• STEM curriculum licensing

Headquarters

HQ city

Columbia

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices5 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. After-School Programs: Monthly subscription-based programs held at partner schools and the Innovation Hub. Students pay registration fees plus monthly tuition for STEM clubs and programs.
2. Genius Membership: Annual membership program offering 8% discount on all programs, priority enrollment, exclusive perks, and year-round member pricing for $149/year.
3. Birthday Parties: One-time booking revenue of $295 for up to 15 kids with themed STEM activities including Minecraft, Robotics, and LEGO Science Lab options.
4. STEM Lab Library Subscription: Individual subscription at $99.99/year or $9.99/month; School license at $899/year for up to 1,000 students with teacher dashboard access.
5. Licensing and Franchise: Turnkey STEM curriculum licensing program for schools, districts, and learning centers including lesson plans, instructor training materials, worksheets, and optional co-branding.
6. Merchandise Sales: Sale of branded merchandise including t-shirts ($45-47), hoodies ($54), mugs ($28), and vacuum bottles ($35).

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

STEM Lab provides hands-on STEM education to children and teens ages 6-18 through after-school programs, summer and holiday camps, weekend bootcamps, birthday parties, and a digital Learning Suite. The organization serves both families directly and schools/districts through partnerships, curriculum licensing, and school licenses for its online platform.

Product overview

STEM Lab is a South Carolina-based STEM education provider offering a comprehensive portfolio of programs for students ages 6-18. The core offering includes physical programs through the Innovation Hub (with four age-tiered tracks: STEM Beginner, STEM Sophomore, STEM Junior, STEM Senior) and school partnerships delivering after-school programs, summer camps, one-day camps, weekend bootcamps, and holiday camps (Christmas, Thanksgiving, Winter, Spring Break). The digital STEM Lab Learning Suite provides 12 interactive browser-based STEM subjects with simulations and AP exam prep. Additional offerings include Birthday Parties, the Genius Membership ($149/year for 8% discounts), Teacher Training/licensing programs, and branded merchandise. The curricula portfolio spans robotics (Robotics 1.0/2.0/3.0), LEGO Science Lab, Minecraft Adventures (via Minecraft Education Edition), Arcade Game Design, Website Design Lab, Python Programming, Micro:bit Coding, Drone Coding, Animation, Chemistry Lab, Spark Lab (Electricity & Magnetism), Economics, Finance Quest, Coding 101, and First LEGO League competitive teams. Programs are designed and delivered by engineers, industry professionals, and educators with alignment to NGSS and Common Core standards.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• The STEM Lab Library: Interactive online learning suite with 11+ STEM subjects featuring first-principles learning, simulations, and monthly challenges for students ages 10-18.

Products and services

• Innovation Hub Evening Programs STEM Lab's flagship physical location at 120 Sparkleberry Crossing Rd., Columbia, SC offering foundational and advanced evening STEM programs with four age-tiered tracks (Beginner, Sophomore, Junior, Senior) for students ages 6-18. Programs meet twice weekly covering engineering, robotics, coding, AI, neuroscience, quantum mechanics, economics, and more.
• After-School Programs at Schools Hands-on project-based STEM learning delivered at partner schools including engineering, coding, robotics, and science concepts for students beyond regular school hours. Includes STEM Explorer Club and STEM Builder Club for K-8 grades.
• Summer Camps Full-day STEM summer camps featuring robotics, engineering, coding, finance, economics, Minecraft, and science through immersive project-based challenges for students ages 6-15.
• One-Day and Holiday Camps Full-day STEM camps offered on school holidays and seasonal breaks featuring project-based activities in coding, engineering, robotics, and game design with seasonal themes (Spring, Christmas, Winter, Thanksgiving).
• Weekend STEM Bootcamp Saturdays 10 AM - 2 PM program for ages 6-18 with tiered offerings by age group including STEM Beginner, Sophomore, Junior, and Senior tracks. Students design and run factory-style systems inside Minecraft, building machines, automating processes, and solving engineering challenges.
• Homeschool STEM Program Hands-on STEM experience designed specifically for homeschoolers featuring robots, coding, and arcade-style game design with peer collaboration for ages 7-15.
• Birthday Parties Themed STEM birthday parties at the Innovation Hub with themed options including Minecraft adventures, Robotics, or LEGO Science Lab for $295 for up to 15 kids, including exclusive STEM program discounts for the host and attendees.
• STEM Lab Learning Suite (Digital Platform) Interactive browser-based online learning platform featuring 12+ live STEM subjects with hundreds of simulations, first-principles learning methodology, monthly challenges, streak tracking, badges, AP exam prep suite, and personal progress dashboard. Runs entirely in browser with no installation required. Available to individual subscribers and schools.
• Genius Membership Annual membership program at $149/year providing 8% discount on all STEM programs, registration fees, and merchandise, plus priority enrollment, exclusive perks, member swag, special events, and early-bird announcements.
• Teacher Training and Curriculum Licensing Program Turnkey STEM curriculum licensing program for schools, districts, and learning centers offering lesson plans, instructor training materials, printable worksheets, activity guides, and optional co-branding to enable replication in new markets.
• First LEGO League Competitive Teams First LEGO League competitive teams (e.g., STEM Force and Nautical Navy) that participate in qualifying, regional, and state-level FLL tournaments, developing robotics, coding, and engineering skills through competitive play.
• STEM Lab Merchandise Branded merchandise including 22oz Thor copper vacuum insulated bottle ($35), coffee mug ($28), STEM Force Activated tee ($46), Youth Squad Hoodie ($54), STEM Tech Explorer Shirt ($45), and Innovator's Long Sleeve ($47).
• STEM Lab Curriculum Portfolio Portfolio of over 20 STEM/STEAM curriculum areas spanning computer coding, health and biomedicine, engineering, robotics and automation, business, and entrepreneurship with over 40 courses and 1,200+ hours of instruction. Includes individual courses such as LEGO Science Lab, Minecraft Adventures, Arcade Game Design, Website Design Lab, Python Programming, Micro:bit Coding, Drone Coding, Robotics 1.0/2.0, Chemistry Lab, Spark Lab, Economics, Finance Quest, Coding 101, and Animation 3.0.

Quantifiable outcome

• 5,000+ students trained over 8 years
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration2 records

AI capability1 record

Feature4 records

Partnerships

19 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Forest Lake ElementarycoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSTEM Lab delivers afterschool STEM programs at Forest Lake Elementary in Elgin, SC. Programs include STEM Club for grades K-2 and STEM Builder Club for grades 3-5. Classes held once a week on alternate weeks for 90 minutes.
• Pontiac ElementarycoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSTEM Lab delivers afterschool STEM programs at Pontiac Elementary in Elgin, SC with offerings for grades K-2 and 3-5. Classes held once a week on alternate weeks for 90 minutes.
• Roundtop ElementarycoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSTEM Lab delivers afterschool STEM programs at Roundtop Elementary in Elgin, SC with programs for grades K-2 and 3-5.
• Catawba Trail ElementarycoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSTEM Lab delivers afterschool STEM programs at Catawba Trail Elementary with offerings for grades K-2 and 3-5. Program includes annual membership discount option.
• Center For Knowledge (CFK)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSTEM Lab delivers afterschool programs at Center For Knowledge with STEM Club for grades K-2 and STEM Builder/Club options for grades 3-5.
• Center For Knowledge NorthcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSTEM Lab delivers afterschool programs at CFK North location with offerings for grades K-2 and introducing STEM Builder program for grades 3-5.
• Gray Collegiate AcademycoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMulti-campus partnership with Gray Collegiate Academy in West Columbia, Irmo, and Columbia locations. Programs include STEM Explorer Club and STEM Builder Club for grades K-8.
• Hammond SchoolminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSTEM Lab delivers afterschool STEM enrichment programs at Hammond School.
• Heathwood Hall SchoolminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSTEM Lab delivers afterschool STEM programs at Heathwood Hall independent school.
• North Springs ElementaryminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSTEM Lab delivers afterschool STEM enrichment programs at North Springs Elementary.
• St. John Neumann Catholic SchoolminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSTEM Lab delivers afterschool STEM enrichment programs at St. John Neumann Catholic School.
• Kelly Mill Middle SchoolminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSTEM Lab delivers afterschool STEM enrichment programs at Kelly Mill Middle School.
• Polo Road ElementaryminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSTEM Lab delivers afterschool STEM enrichment programs at Polo Road Elementary.
• Richland One School DistrictminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSTEM Lab partners with Richland One School District to deliver STEM enrichment programs.
• Laurens 55 School DistrictminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSTEM Lab partners with Laurens 55 School District to deliver STEM enrichment programs.
• Cardinal Newman SchoolminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSTEM Lab delivers afterschool STEM enrichment programs at Cardinal Newman School.
• ICRC ParksminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSTEM Lab partners with ICRC Parks for community-based STEM enrichment programs.
• TASZAminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSTEM Lab delivers afterschool STEM enrichment programs at TASZA.
• 4DLearningcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSTEM Lab utilizes the 4 Dimensional Learning framework developed by 4DLearning, which includes Core Ideas, Cross-Cutting Concepts (CCCs), Career Connections and Practices (CCPs), and Social & Emotional Learning components.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• STEM For Kids: National STEM enrichment franchise network. STEM Lab operates as an authorized STEM For Kids franchise location (DBA: STEM for Kids SC), sharing curriculum DNA, branding, and operating model — making the franchisor the most directly comparable peer.
• Code Ninjas: Large coding-focused kids enrichment franchise offering after-school programs, summer camps, and birthday parties for ages 7-14. Closely comparable to STEM Lab's coding, robotics, and game design tracks delivered through school partnerships and dedicated centers.
• Mad Science: Franchised provider of hands-on science programs, after-school enrichment, summer camps, and birthday parties for children. Highly comparable to STEM Lab's hands-on science experiments, robotics, and school-delivered after-school offerings.
• Snapology: Franchise offering STEM, STEAM, robotics, and engineering programs using LEGO and similar materials through after-school programs, camps, and birthday parties. Directly comparable to STEM Lab's LEGO Science Lab, robotics, and Minecraft Engineering curricula.
• iCode: Franchised computer science and STEM education franchise serving K-12 students with after-school classes, camps, and school programs. Comparable focus on coding, robotics, and school-based delivery model similar to STEM Lab.
• Engineering For Kids: STEM education franchise delivering engineering, robotics, coding, and technology programs through after-school classes, camps, and birthday parties for children. Strong overlap with STEM Lab's engineering, robotics, and project-based learning portfolio.
• Club SciKidz: Provider of science and technology summer camps, after-school programs, and birthday parties for children, with similar hands-on experiments and robotics offerings. Directly comparable to STEM Lab's summer camp and birthday party programs.
• ID Tech: Operator of STEM summer camps, after-school programs, and online courses for kids and teens covering coding, game design, AI, and robotics. Comparable age range, subject portfolio (AI, robotics, game design), and premium pricing tier to STEM Lab's offerings.

Emerging players

• BrainVyne: Provider of STEM and enrichment classes (including LEGO-based programs) at schools and community centers with after-school and camp formats. Smaller footprint with comparable school-partnership model and LEGO/Maker curriculum overlap.

Broad incumbents

• Varsity Tutors / Outschool: Large online learning platforms offering K-12 STEM tutoring, AP exam prep, and enrichment classes. Broad incumbent competitor to STEM Lab's Learning Suite digital subscriptions and AP prep positioning, with significantly larger scale and marketing budgets.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/stemlabsc
• Instagraminstagram.com/sfkcolumbia
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/thestemlab

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about STEM Lab