Panaji, Goa: The Department of Information Technology, Electronics, and Communications, Government of Goa, in collaboration with InfinityX STEM Foundation proudly presents the Goa International Robotics Festival 2024, scheduled from 25th to 28th January 2024, in Goa, India.
The Goa International Robotics Festival 2024 will feature the prestigious FIRST Tech Challenge India Robotics Championship, the FIRST Lego League Open Championship, and an engaging Robotics Exhibition showcasing the FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) Robotics competition.
Shri. P. Abhishek, IAS, Director, Information, Technology, Electronics and Communications and Shri. Ashvin B. Savant, Chairman & Managing Director, InfinityX STEM Foundation & FIRST INDIA signed a Memorandum of Understanding in the presence of Shri. Rohan A. Khaunte, Hon’ble Minister, Information, Technology, Electronics and Communications.
FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology), a renowned not-for-profit public charity, the event carries forward FIRST’s mission founded in 1989 – inspiring the younger generation to cultivate their interest and participation in science and technology. FIRST designs accessible, innovative programs to motivate young individuals to explore educational and career opportunities in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM), empowering them with self-confidence, knowledge, and essential life skills.
Speaking on the occasion, the Hon’ble Minister for Information, Technology, Electronics and Communications, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte said “The Goa International Robotics Festival stands as a beacon, illuminating the path to academic brilliance and personal growth through its commitment to fostering STEM education. Participation in FTC is a transformative journey that elevates students, instilling knowledge and also the indomitable pillars of self-confidence and vital life skills.”.
The FTC Robotics competition, an integral part of the festival, is an annual event in India designed for students in grades 7-12, with participants aged between 12 and 18 years. Teams, guided by dedicated coaches, mentors, and volunteers, will engage in strategic robot development based on innovative engineering principles. This competition seamlessly blends the excitement of sports with science and technology. Teams will engage in a series of qualification matches, leading to high-ranking teams competing in elimination matches for the semi- finals and finals.
The Chairman & Managing Director, Shri. Ashvin B Savant, said “Objective of The Goa International Robotics Festival is to promote Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education among students in India. It is observed that students participating in FTC perform better in their educational career as it helps them build their self-confidence, knowledge and life-skills”.
The festival will be graced by the participation of diverse teams, including those from rural schools, corporation- run schools, state-run schools, and international institutions. Notably, last year’s event featured a team from a school for divyang children in Mumbai, a team representing underprivileged segments of Dharavi, Mumbai, as well as teams from Municipal Corporation schools in Bangalore, Chennai, Pune, and Delhi.
A significant highlight of the event is that the top two teams from the championships will earn the honor of representing India in the prestigious FIRST World Championship in Houston, Texas, USA.
Additionally, ten teams from India will have the privilege to represent the nation in the Asia Pacific Championship held in Sydney, Australia.
