In a remarkable collaboration between BMC Software India and Robotex India, students from B T Sahani Navin Hind High School in Pune, a Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) school, achieved two podium positions at the Robotex International Championship in Tallinn, Estonia, Europe on November 17th and 18th, 2023. The competition, which drew over 5000 participants from 40 countries, showcased their outstanding accomplishments.
MUMBAI: In a remarkable showcase of innovation and commitment to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education, Robotex India, a non-profit organization, continues to spearhead transformative programs, fostering technological skills among students. At the forefront of this movement is the recently concluded Robotex International Championship 2023, held in Tallinn, Estonia.
Two winning projects showcase the brilliance of young minds. A smart river-cleaning boat, crafted by 8th graders Aarati Chavan and Ambika Thakur, tackles water pollution by collecting waste. In another feat, 9th graders Dipali Salve and Bipin Tiwari’s Agricos Drones revolutionize farming by detecting rain cloud minerals, aiding farmers in choosing the perfect fertilizers.
Over 100 teams from BT Sahani School Pune participated in the regional and national championships hosted by Robotex India in 2023. Notably, four teams secured podium positions at the Nationals, earning themselves a coveted spot on the international stage, Robotex International Championship 2023. This global event, in its 24th year, stands as one of the largest Robotics festivals worldwide.
The winners were felicitated by Vikram Kumar, Pune Municipal Commissioner today at BT Sahani Navin Hind School, Pune.
Vikram Kumar, Pune Municipal Commissioner said, “Our goal is to instill a sense of excitement as well as curiosity to learn about science and technology in every child. To achieve this, we will incorporate Robotics education into all of our schools.”
BMC Software, through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, played a pivotal role in supporting eight students’ journey to the international stage. Funding provided by BMC Software facilitated essential aspects such as passports, visas, and flight tickets, ensuring the students’ representation at the global event.
“We stand witness to an era where India, as a nation, is redefining what’s possible in the technology realm, and BMC is doing our part to help everyone explore the new frontiers. We value our partnership with Robotex India and strive to provide opportunities for all students across India to thrive now and into the future,” said Sakaar Anand, India Country Head at BMC Software.
“BMC and Robotex India’s focus on fostering gender equity and closing the digital divide of historically excluded communities is the cornerstone of progress towards shaping India’s future
workforce. By building STEM labs and leveraging technology, we ignite a spark that not only empowers children but also drives transformative change for generations to come,” said Wendy Rentschler, Global Head of Corporate Citizenship & DEI at BMC Software.
Payal Rajpal, Director of Robotex India, said, “At Robotex India, we are on a mission to empower students across the nation, demolishing obstacles, and arming them for triumphant tomorrows. This partnership with BMC and the initiatives we have launched together are testaments to our resolute dedication to nurturing innovation and embracing diversity, providing an equitable, gender-exclusive stage for students from diverse backgrounds to illuminate their brilliance on both the national and global arenas, thence bridging the ‘education to employment gap’ nationally.”
Despite hailing from low socio-economic backgrounds with limited access to electricity and technology, over 1000 students at BT Sahani School have been introduced to future technology skills through Robotex India’s transformative programs since 2021.
The collaboration between BMC Software India and Robotex India has resulted in the establishment of the first “STEM Robotics Lab” at B T Sahani School. This state-of-the-art lab is designed to equip 1000 students with essential skills in Coding, Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, and IoT, providing a solid foundation for future employment opportunities.
BMC Software’s commitment to STEM education extends beyond Pune, with over 7000 government school students benefiting from Robotics STEM labs and the unique initiative ‘Girls who build robots.’ A joint initiative between Pune Municipal Corporation and Robotex India aims to educate over 20,000 students from PMC schools in Robotics, Coding, AI, and other future skills in 2024, with a vision of establishing STEM Robotics labs in 200 PMC schools within the next three years.
Robotex India remains dedicated to its mission of advancing STEM education, bridging the digital divide, and empowering students with the skills needed for a technologically driven future.
