• HERoSTEM, the STEM training programme created by Xcalibur Smart Mapping, Xcalibur Foundation and African Gifted Foundation, has been renewed for another three years.
• The agreement includes the funding of scholarships for 15 African Science Academy (ASA) students, as well as the organisation of summer internships each
• The previous edition of the programme involved more than 60 young ASA students and alumnae, while 32 Xcalibur Smart Mapping volunteers contributed a total of 341 hours of mentoring and leadership talks.

Xcalibur Smart Mapping, a global leader in aerial geophysics and mapping industry, along with Xcalibur Foundation, a non-profit organisation dedicated to advancing international development cooperation in regions where its parent company —Xcalibur Smart Mapping— operates, have signed an agreement with the African Gifted Foundation to extend HERoSTEM, the programme for the professional development of African students in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) careers. HERoSTEM provides mentoring, scholarships and internship opportunities for students and alumnae of the ASA.

This agreement is a three-year extension of the programme (2025-2027) which includes the funding of scholarships for 15 students and the organisation of at least three summer internships per year. This renewed commitment between Xcalibur Smart Mapping, Xcalibur Foundation and African Gifted Foundation reinforces efforts to transform the future of STEM education for women in Africa.

341 hours of mentoring and more than 60 young people involved in the programme.

Since its first edition in 2024, HERoSTEM has involved 341 hours of Xcalibur Smart Mapping volunteers in mentoring and speaking engagements. In addition, more than 60 ASA students and alumane have participated in the company’s professional sessions in various areas and 19 ASA alumnae received personalised mentoring to guide their academic and professional careers. The three organisations actively collaborate in the delivery of the programme: Xcalibur Foundation leads the coordination of the programme; Xcalibur Smart Mapping offers specialised technical expertise and resources, facilitating the exchange of professional knowledge; and African Gifted Foundation integrates the HERoSTEM programme into the curriculum of the ASA.

Laura Blanco, ESG Director at Xcalibur Smart Mapping and Programme Director at Xcalibur Foundation, highlights: “From both a personal and professional perspective, I am delighted to be able to continue to support the African Gifted Foundation through our HERoSTEM initiative, to continue empowering young African women in STEM careers. This project is a very important step in bridging the gender gap, while supporting education, providing access to guidance and mentoring, and creating career opportunities. By investing in these future leaders, we are not only fostering innovation, but also making a sustainable and lasting impact on industry, society and education.”

Javier Lezcano, Executive Director of Xcalibur Foundation, says: “It is an honour to include this project in our gender programmes and to see how our team brings not only their experience, but also their professional and cultural knowledge. This initiative is a testament to the power of international cooperation.”

Finally, Yasameen Al-jboury, Executive Director of African Gifted Foundation, says: “We are excited to continue our partnership with Xcalibur Smart Mapping and Xcalibur Foundation as we enter the second year of the HERoSTEM initiative. This phase marks an expansion of our mentoring programme, which has been instrumental in supporting young students in STEM careers. By deepening our collaboration, we strengthen our commitment to unlocking the potential of young African women by providing them with skills, confidence and opportunities to become leaders in STEM fields. Together, we are building a future where gender equality in science and technology is the norm, not the exception.”