Pune: PMC School Students Gear Up to Represent India at Robotex International Championship 2024 in Tallinn, Estonia

Pune, 27th November 2024: In an exceptional display of innovation and academic excellence, students from Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) schools are set to represent India at the prestigious Robotex International Championship 2024, scheduled to take place in Tallinn, Estonia, on December 6 and 7. Competing against participants from over 50 countries, these students aim to prove that determination and skill can transcend socio-economic barriers and deliver outstanding results.

The students, coming from underprivileged communities, have been trained for the past three years by Robotex India, a non-profit organization dedicated to revolutionizing STEM and robotics education in India. Under the leadership of visionary director Payal Rajpal, the program has introduced over a million students across seven states to advanced technology education, focusing on Robotics, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Coding, IoT, and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics).

At the recently concluded Robotex India National Championship 2024 in Pune, these talented students not only competed alongside their peers from private institutions but also secured multiple podium finishes. Their journey from PMC classrooms to the international stage highlights the transformative power of education, mentorship, and access to technology.
Driving Innovation Through CSR Support
The STEM robotics labs in PMC schools, crucial in developing the students’ skills, are funded through CSR initiatives by BMC Software and ZS India. These companies have not only established cutting-edge robotics labs but are also sponsoring the students’ participation at Robotex International 2024. By merging CSR with industry-academia collaboration, these organizations are empowering underserved students with world-class opportunities, enabling them to compete on a global platform.

Dr. Rajendra Bhosale, IAS, Commissioner of PMC, lauded the students’ achievements. “These young minds have shown us the immense potential within our public schools. Their projects reflect creativity, technical prowess, and a commitment to excellence. It’s a proud moment for PMC and Pune to see these students prepare to showcase their talents on a global stage,” he said.

Additional Commissioner Prithviraj BP emphasized the importance of fostering technological skills among students at an early age. “These students are trailblazers, setting a benchmark for their peers with their curiosity, determination, and innovative thinking,” he remarked.

Payal Rajpal, Director of Robotex India, expressed pride in the students, stating, “These young innovators are proof that talent knows no boundaries. With the right education and mentorship, dreams can transcend circumstances. Watching them overcome challenges to represent India on the global stage is deeply inspiring. They are not just participating; they are redefining what is possible for their communities and the nation.”
A Journey of Perseverance, A Proud Moment for Pune
For the first time, a group of students from PMC schools, many from rural and underprivileged backgrounds, will travel abroad to compete at the internationally acclaimed Robotex International Championship 2024. This remarkable journey has been marked by rigorous training sessions and overcoming logistical hurdles, including obtaining passports and visas.

Thanks to the unwavering support of CSR donors like BMC Software and ZS India, these young innovators are now ready to showcase their talent on the global stage. Their participation is not just a competition but a life-changing experience, bringing immense pride to their families, schools, and the city of Pune.

This initiative, driven by the collaboration of Robotex India, PMC, and visionary CSR partners, exemplifies how public-private partnerships can transform lives.