At just 24 years old, Devesh Takoor is more than a young STEM enthusiast—he’s a trailblazer whose vision and leadership are shaping the future of Mauritian robotics. Originally from Brisée Verdière in Flacq and now residing in the northern region of the island, Devesh has travelled from being a promising student in 2019 to becoming the Technical Mentor of the Mauritius Robotics Team, guiding future generations onto the global stage.

2019 – First Foray: Student Competitor in Dubai

While studying at Sir Leckraz Teelock State Secondary School, Devesh’s passion for robotics was recognized when he was selected as one of five students to represent Mauritius at the FIRST Global Challenge 2019 in Dubai. This achievement was significant—not only for him personally but as a testament to the talent emerging from local schools.

Watching his announcement video and learning about his selection through ION News showcased Devesh’s early capabilities in problem-solving, programming, and teamwork. This pivotal experience planted the seeds for his future mission: empowering other youths through robotics.

2020–2021 – Staying Connected in a Virtual World

When the world went virtual due to the COVID-19 pandemic, FIRST Global adapted by taking competitions online. Rather than pausing, Devesh stepped into a mentorship role. Across 2020 and 2021, he led virtual workshops, programming sessions, and strategy planning.

Despite its remote format, he ensured that Mauritian teams remained competitive and connected. His ability to pivot demonstrated resilience and a passion not confined by physical borders. This era highlighted his rapid transformation—from former participant to mentor, from local competitor to national technical leader.

2022 – A Proud Return to Geneva with an Expanded Team

In 2022, robotics returned to in-person contests, and Mauritius took a significant leap forward by sending seven delegates—five students and two mentors, including Devesh—to Geneva, Switzerland. Under his technical leadership, the team demonstrated world-class preparations, from rigorous build schedules to real-time problem-solving.

This event highlighted Devesh’s capacity to coordinate multifaceted teams, drawing attention and admiration from international peers and coaches. Geneva became a proving ground for his leadership and strategy—turning a once-small delegation into a confident unit excelling under global pressure.

2023 – Visionary Mentor: Shaping the Next Generation

Yuvaled by YUVA as the “visionary mentor,” Devesh’s role by 2023 had evolved beyond being just the Technical Mentor; he now led robot design, strategic planning, and mentor training—setting the tone for Mauritius’s future in global robotics. His mix of technical expertise, motivational guidance, and cultural understanding made him a pivotal figure.

That same year, the team competed in Singapore, offering a platform for demonstrating their adaptability and breadth under Devesh’s stewardship.

2024 – Building on Success in Athens

In 2024, Devesh again led Team Mauritius to Athens, Greece, for the FIRST Global Challenge. His strategic and technical direction ensured consistent progress and momentum. This reaffirmed his growing reputation as a mentor capable of sustaining high standards across multiple years and geographies.

2025 – Panama Ahead, Global Ambitions Beyond

Now gearing up for Panama 2025 (October–November), Devesh is setting his sights on grander ambitions. He’s actively researching other prestigious international robotics competitions and innovation challenges, understanding that FIRST Global is just the beginning. His goal is bold and clear: to elevate Mauritius’s name in global robotics and innovation circles.

He’s advocating for a nation-wide push—encouraging schools to establish robotics clubs, training more mentors, and tapping into sponsorship and government support. Devesh believes the island’s talent can excel alongside robotics powerhouses like Japan, Germany, or the U.S., and is working tirelessly to make that vision a reality.

Role Beyond Competitions

Devesh’s contributions reach far beyond competition floors. He runs year-round workshops, science fair preparations, public presentations, and mentorship events. His efforts fill a vital gap in Mauritius’s STEM ecosystem, offering both technical coaching and inspiration.

By championing themes like “real-world problem solving” and “community-first innovation,” Devesh ensures his mentees develop not just engineering skills but also a sense of responsibility and global perspective.

Personal Traits & Philosophy

Devesh is known for his energy, creativity, and optimism. Colleagues describe him as “relentlessly supportive,” while students appreciate how he explains complex concepts with clarity and enthusiasm. He is detail-oriented, yet fosters autonomy—encouraging students to think, question, and innovate on their own.

He frequently says:

“We have the brains, creativity, and willpower. We just need more opportunity and belief.”

This mindset has become infectious—his mentees are confident, solutions-oriented, and resilient in the face of technical challenges.

Vision for Mauritius: A Robotics Renaissance

Devesh’s dream is more than medals and accolades—it’s about building sustainable infrastructure for robotics and STEM across Mauritius. This includes:

• National robotics network linking schools across the island
• A mentor-training academy, developing the technical leaders of tomorrow
• Funding partnerships with local businesses and the government
• Representation at global tech summits and innovation events
• Community outreach to raise public awareness of STEM’s transformational potential

Under his guidance, Mauritius’s robotics scene is transitioning from enthusiastic grassroots to a coordinated national movement. Devesh’s efforts could set the foundation for years of global innovation recognition.

Conclusion

From representing Mauritius in 2019 as a student in Dubai, through online perseverance during the pandemic, to leading teams to Geneva, Singapore, Athens, and now Panama—Devesh Takoor’s rise has been meteoric. In just six years, he has gone from curious competitor to national technical mentor and visionary leader.

His mission is clear: To shine a light on Mauritian talent, empower future generations, and place the island proudly on the world’s robotics map. With passion, strategy, and unwavering dedication, Devesh is doing just that—and his journey is only just beginning.