Mauritius continues to make its mark on the global stage, not only through its natural beauty but increasingly through its rising talent in science and technology. Among those leading the charge is Luckkana Ghaneswarsing, a 35-year-old tech professional from the north of Mauritius, who has taken up a pivotal role as a mentor for Team Mauritius at the First Global Challenge 2025.

With a strong background in technology, a deep-seated passion for innovation, and a commitment to shaping the minds of future leaders, Luckkana is set to guide the national robotics team through one of the most prestigious international competitions in the STEM world.

A Mentor with a Vision

Luckkana Ghaneswarsing is not new to the world of innovation and mentorship. His role in the First Global Challenge 2025 is twofold: he is overseeing the administrative operations for Team Mauritius and, more critically, mentoring the team in programming and robotics software development—a core aspect of the competition.

“Being a mentor is more than just teaching code,” Luckkana shares. “It’s about building resilience, encouraging creative thinking, and preparing these young minds for the real-world challenges of tomorrow.”

The First Global Challenge, an annual robotics competition involving over 190 countries, challenges youth to solve global issues through science, engineering, and teamwork. Each team must build a functional robot that can complete complex tasks, all while adhering to strict timelines, resource constraints, and a changing technical environment.

In this high-pressure context, Luckkana serves not only as a coach but also as a motivator, problem-solver, and trusted advisor.

The Road to First Global Challenge: A Journey Through YUVA

Luckkana’s journey into the First Global Challenge began with a partnership that changed everything—YUVA Mauritius.

“YUVA opened the door to an entirely new way for me to give back,” Luckkana explains. “Their commitment to youth empowerment, technology, and community leadership matched my own values perfectly. So when I was invited to become a mentor for Team Mauritius through YUVA, it felt like a natural progression.”

It was through YUVA’s expansive work in education and social development that he first connected with the broader network of young Mauritian innovators. His active involvement in tech initiatives and leadership in digital spaces made him a standout candidate to guide students representing the nation on a global platform.

Passion for Innovation and a Background in Technology

Luckkana’s professional path has always centered around technology, problem-solving, and forward-thinking design. With years of experience in front-end development, web management, and mentorship roles, he combines technical expertise with a strong sense of structure and communication.

“I’ve always believed that technology is a tool to shape the future—not just for individuals, but for communities and even nations,” he says. “That’s what excites me about this challenge. We’re not just building a robot; we’re building future engineers, scientists, and innovators.”

His day-to-day responsibilities include preparing programming lessons, holding coding workshops, and running troubleshooting simulations with the team. But he also acts as a bridge between technical knowledge and personal growth. “It’s not just about robotics; it’s about collaboration, leadership, and finding creative solutions under pressure,” he adds.

Leading Behind the Scenes: The Administrative Backbone

While most attention is often on the robots and the teams, a competition of this scale requires impeccable planning and coordination. That’s where Luckkana’s second role comes into play—handling all administrative aspects for Team Mauritius.

From organizing training sessions and managing schedules to liaising with sponsors and coordinating logistics with the international First Global team, his attention to detail ensures that everything behind the scenes runs like clockwork.

“Administrative work might not sound glamorous, but it’s absolutely essential,” he explains. “It allows the students to focus on their learning and creativity without distraction. And it reflects our professionalism as a national team on the global stage.”

Inspiring the Next Generation

For Luckkana, mentorship is not limited to the competition. He sees this as a stepping stone to greater change across Mauritius. One of his personal goals is to encourage more young people—especially those from underrepresented areas—to explore STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics).

“I want to help break the myth that tech is only for a select few,” he says. “Every child in Mauritius should believe that they can build something, solve something, or lead something in the future.”

He also has plans to continue nurturing young talent beyond the competition, through coding bootcamps, mentorship programmes, and workshops focused on robotics and digital innovation.

Looking Ahead

As Team Mauritius prepares for the upcoming First Global Challenge 2025, the guidance of mentors like Luckkana Ghaneswarsing will be instrumental. His unique combination of technical knowledge, leadership, and passion makes him a true role model—not just for the team, but for the entire country.

“Representing Mauritius is a huge honour,” he says. “But what truly drives me is the chance to uplift young people and show them what they’re capable of. The future is being built today, and I’m proud to be part of that journey.”

With leaders like Luckkana at the helm, the future of tech in Mauritius looks brighter than ever.