Robotex India National Championship 2025 Kicks Off in Pune with Historic Participation and Inclusive Innovation
Pune, 20th September 2025: The Robotex India National Championship 2025, the country’s largest and most inclusive initiative in robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), and STEM education, was officially inaugurated today at the World Peace Dome, MIT-ADT University, Pune. The grand event brought together over 7,000 students from more than 16 states across India, showcasing over 500 robots designed to tackle real-world problems through innovative technology.
This year’s edition marks a significant milestone in inclusive education and technological empowerment, with 50% of the participants from government schools and the other half from private institutions. Students from rural, tribal, and underprivileged backgrounds formed a major part of the competition—truly reflecting the spirit of grassroots innovation.
A Global Vision with Local Impact
At the opening ceremony, Payal Rajpal, Director, Robotex India, introduced the vision behind the competition, highlighting its roots in Estonia, a small European nation of just 1.4 million people.
“Robotex International is a 25-year-old global conglomerate originating from Estonia—one of the world’s leading nations in per capita income and technological innovation,” Rajpal said.
“With a presence in 41 countries, Robotex is now empowering young minds in India. This championship is the only inclusive robotics competition in the world where 50% participation comes from students of Zilla Parishad and PMC schools. Our student innovators are solving grassroots challenges like pollution and beach cleaning through robotics. This is not just about coding—it’s about contributing to sustainable development goals of the United Nation (UN) and addressing national issues through local action.”
Celebrating Innovation and Creativity
The event began with a powerful visual presentation highlighting the journey of Robotex India over the past year. Prof. Sunita Karad, Executive Director of MIT-ADT University, formally inaugurated the event and was also felicitated for her contributions to promoting STEM education.
Key dignitaries included:
Annelie Pickemets, Head, Robotex International
Tehseen Poonawalla, Political Analyst and Guest of Honour
Ali Khan, Global Director, ZS Associates
Vivek Wadekar, Chief Commissioner of Income Tax
Robin Thomas, Associate General Manager, HCL Foundation
Manish Tayade, CSR Manager, Sterlite Technologies
Girish Kadiguppi, Senior Finance Manager, BMC Software
Dr. Shantipal Ohol, MIT-ADT
Abhijit Deka, Head – Analytics, Finolex Industries
“Robots Don’t Talk Back” – Tehseen Poonawalla
Prominent political analyst Tehseen Poonawalla, in his address as Guest of Honour, reflected on the growing relevance of robotics in human society:
“The future of humanity is deeply connected to robotics and AI. Every child here is a winner. Robots are fabulous—they’re obedient and don’t talk back like human beings,” he remarked, sparking laughter.
Poonawalla emphasized the need to leverage AI and robotics to eliminate poverty and empower marginalized communities, echoing the social mission of the championship.
More Than a Competition—A Movement
Participants also took a solemn pledge to uphold integrity, honesty, respect, and sportsmanship—signifying the values that Robotex India seeks to instill in its future leaders and innovators.
“Robotex India is not just a competition—it’s a celebration of student imagination. When children from villages, cities, and hamlets use technology to solve real-world problems, they shape the vision of a ‘Developed India’,” said Rajpal.
“In alignment with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a self-reliant, digital India, our mission is to take India’s youth innovators to the global stage.”
Nationwide Impact and Global Aspirations
Since its inception, Robotex India has impacted over 1.2 million students, trained over 10,000 government school teachers, and established more than 500 AI and robotics labs across the country. The ‘Girls Who Build Robots’ initiative has empowered young girls to take the lead in STEM, significantly boosting female representation in tech.
“This championship empowers the nation to shape its own future,” said one of the dignitaries. “Every participant here is already a winner—because they have chosen the path of creativity, innovation, and change.”
