About Us
Empowering underrepresented youth with engaging STEM education and career pathways

Welcome to Nafees Innovations Academy
At Nafees Innovations Academy, we make science simple, fun, and accessible for youth. Founded by Nafees Norris, our mission is to break down complex scientific concepts into engaging, hands-on experiences that inspire the next generation of STEM leaders. Through our interactive workshops, we empower kids to explore, learn, and discover the wonders of science in a way that’s both educational and exciting.
We believe that every child deserves the opportunity to explore the world of science, regardless of their background. By making STEM education relatable and enjoyable, we aim to spark curiosity and build confidence in young learners, helping them see themselves as future scientists and innovators. Our goal is to create a more diverse and inclusive future in science and technology by nurturing a love for learning that lasts a lifetime.



Meet Nafees Norris, CEO of Nafees Innovations Academy
Nafees Norris, the first African American to graduate in Biopharmaceutical Process Engineering, is a visionary in STEM. As founder and CEO of Nafees Innovations Academy, he is committed to making STEM accessible for underrepresented youth, fostering diversity and inclusivity in science education.
With hands-on expertise as a cell culture scientist and deep technical knowledge, he brings real-world relevance to interactive workshops, internships, and mentorship programs. Nafees’s programs encourage students to see themselves as future innovators while promoting values of resilience and integrity. His mission is to inspire a generation, ensuring STEM is accessible, engaging, and inclusive for all.
Empowering Young Innovators
Inspiring youth through hands-on STEM workshops, mentorship, and career pathways to build a diverse future in science.

STEM Pioneer
First African American graduate in Biopharmaceutical Process Engineering.

Hands-On Learning
Delivers interactive STEM workshops to inspire youth in science.

Career Pathways
Offers mentorship, internships, and networking for future STEM careers.

Inclusive Vision
Championing diversity, resilience, and access in STEM education.
Mission & Vision
Aims to inspire underrepresented youth in STEM, fostering diversity, curiosity, and leadership through accessible, engaging programs.

Mission
At Nafees Innovations Academy, our mission is to inspire and educate underrepresented youth in STEM by making science simple, fun, and accessible. Through engaging workshops and innovative programs, we break down complex scientific concepts and foster diversity in bioprocessing and related fields. Our goal is to ignite creativity and curiosity, cultivating the next generation of STEM leaders.

Vision
We envision a future where diverse youth, particularly from underserved communities, are equipped with the skills, curiosity, and determination to lead in STEM fields, driving innovation in bioprocessing and beyond.
Core Values
Diversity
We embrace diversity as the foundation for innovation and creativity. By fostering an inclusive environment, we celebrate differences in backgrounds and perspectives, ensuring students feel empowered and represented. Our programs aim to close gaps in STEM access, creating opportunities for underrepresented communities to thrive and contribute to groundbreaking advancements.
Resilience
Resilience is essential in overcoming challenges, and we teach students to view setbacks as opportunities for growth. Through engaging workshops and mentorship, we cultivate adaptability and perseverance, preparing students to excel in dynamic STEM fields and industries that demand innovative problem-solving.
Integrity
Integrity is at the core of our mission, guiding everything we do. We emphasize honesty, ethics, and accountability in scientific practices and decision-making. By instilling these principles, we foster a culture of trust and credibility that prepares students to lead responsibly in their careers and communities.
Value
We deliver programs that provide lasting value, equipping students with critical thinking skills and practical knowledge. Our hands-on workshops empower participants to address real-world challenges and contribute to advancements in science and technology, making a meaningful impact on their futures.
Excellence
Excellence drives our commitment to high-quality STEM education. We continuously improve our programs to inspire students and educators to achieve their best. By maintaining high standards, we prepare participants to lead and innovate in their chosen fields, fostering a lifelong pursuit of excellence.
More About Nafees Norris
Discover Nafees’s journey as a pioneer in STEM, dedicated to breaking barriers and inspiring underrepresented youth to thrive in science and innovation.




Nafees Norris is a trailblazer in the STEM community, proudly holding the title of the first African American to graduate with a degree in Biopharmaceutical Process Engineering. Born and raised in Philadelphia, Nafees’s journey is a story of resilience, curiosity, and an unwavering commitment to creating change in the scientific world. Today, he serves as the founder and CEO of Nafees Innovations Academy, a company dedicated to transforming STEM education for youth in underrepresented communities, making science not only accessible but also engaging, relatable, and empowering.
With years of experience as a cell culture scientist and a specialization as an ambr250 expert, Nafees has honed a deep technical knowledge of the biopharmaceutical process. His hands-on expertise has seen him design and implement groundbreaking projects, contributing valuable advancements in cell culture techniques. But Nafees’s ambitions go far beyond the lab. He recognized a pressing need for greater diversity and representation in STEM, especially for communities that historically lack access to resources and role models in these fields. This realization drove him to launch Nafees Innovations Academy, with a mission to break down the barriers that prevent young people from pursuing STEM careers.
Through Nafees Innovations Academy, Nafees has built a platform that offers interactive workshops, educational programs, and outreach initiatives that bring STEM to life in meaningful ways. From foundational concepts to advanced biopharmaceutical topics, his workshops are designed to make complex science feel relevant and engaging. By using hands-on activities, real-world analogies, and a bit of fun, Nafees ensures that every young participant can see themselves as a future innovator, scientist, or engineer.
His company doesn’t just aim to teach—it aims to inspire. Nafees Innovations Academy offers career-building opportunities like internships, networking events, and mentorship programs that provide real pathways for students to enter and thrive in STEM fields. Nafees also places a strong emphasis on diversity, resilience, and integrity, values that are embedded in every aspect of his programs and outreach efforts. From after-school sessions to weekend workshops, Nafees Innovations Academy fosters a supportive community where youth can explore, ask questions, and build confidence in their abilities.
As a mentor, educator, and advocate, Nafees is more than a business leader—he is a role model for young people aspiring to careers in science and technology. His vision extends to creating a lasting impact on the STEM field itself, working towards a future where diversity and inclusivity are the norms, not the exceptions. Under his leadership, Nafees Innovations Academy continues to grow, striving to make science simple, exciting, and inclusive for all.
Through his work, Nafees aims to shape a world where every child can see a place for themselves in STEM, regardless of their background. His journey, filled with determination and a steadfast belief in the power of education, stands as an inspiration to those who dream of a future defined by innovation, opportunity, and unity.
Explore Workshops
Discover engaging STEM workshops where students explore, create, and gain practical skills, sparking a lifelong passion for science and innovation.
