The excitement is building as Team Mauritius gears up for the FIRST Global Challenge 2025 (FGC 2025), which will be held in Panama. This prestigious international robotics competition brings together brilliant young minds from over 190 countries to tackle some of the world’s most pressing challenges through science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

This year’s theme, Eco-Equilibrium, highlights the urgent need to find balance between human advancement and environmental sustainability — a theme that resonates deeply with the youth of Mauritius, an island nation particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change.

A Team of Passion, Talent, and Strategy

This year’s Team Mauritius represents a blend of youthful passion, quick learning, and strategic thinking. The team members are Shreya Ramlowat, Hashmi Mulloo, Maelys Coiffic, Navish Redini, Radheshwaree Aashi Agundhooa, and Sajida Jomeer.

• Shreya Ramlowat is a young innovator with a keen interest in sustainable robotics and environmental problem-solving.
• Hashmi Mulloo is passionate about using robotics to address global challenges and dreams of applying his skills to future technological solutions for the nation.
• Maelys Coiffic advocates for robotics as a driver for sustainable growth and international exposure for Mauritian youth.
• Navish Redini focuses on youth empowerment through STEM, using innovation as a tool to inspire the next generation.
• Radheshwaree Aashi Agundhooa is a first-time participant and has quickly proven herself as a brilliant strategist. Her quick learning and analytical thinking are pivotal to the team’s competition strategy, helping to make tactical decisions during the challenge.
• Sajida Jomeer, a three-time FGC participant, could not travel this year due to academic commitments but played an essential role in training, mentoring, and sharing her competition experience with the new team.

The team is guided by three highly dedicated mentors: Luckkana Ghaneswarsing, a leading robotics educator shaping the next generation of innovators; Devesh Takoor, a national robotics visionary; and Shevin Jules Capiron, who contributed his technical expertise throughout the preparation period despite being unable to travel due to his studies.

Together, this dynamic team has been tirelessly preparing for months, from robot design and programming to refining their competition strategies. Their focus has been on building a reliable and innovative robot capable of excelling under the theme Eco-Equilibrium, which challenges teams to create solutions that promote environmental balance and sustainable energy use.

A Surprise Boost: Visit from 2024 Alumni

One of the most inspiring moments in the team’s preparation came with a surprise visit from last year’s Team Mauritius members, Navneet Heerah and Yushmita Sinanun, both standout participants of the FIRST Global Challenge 2024.

• Navneet Heerah, celebrated for his programming excellence, immediately connected with the new team to provide coding insights and guidance on troubleshooting technical challenges.
• Yushmita Sinanun, a rising star in robotics, offered advice on teamwork, robot control strategies, and maintaining calm under the pressure of international competition.

The alumni not only shared their experiences from the 2024 Challenge but also rolled up their sleeves to help the team overcome some critical programming and design difficulties. Their visit reinforced a culture of mentorship and collaboration, showing how the legacy of past teams fuels the growth of future teams.

For the 2025 participants, this alumni interaction was a motivational turning point, sparking renewed confidence and a strong sense of continuity. It also demonstrated the strength of the Mauritian robotics community, where every generation contributes to the next.

Training, Challenges, and Breakthroughs

Preparing for an event as challenging as the FIRST Global Challenge is no easy task. The team’s training sessions have combined:

1. Technical Skill Development – Mastering programming, electronics, and mechanical assembly to ensure the robot functions reliably under competition conditions.
2. Strategic Planning – The team has developed tactical approaches to scoring points efficiently and adapting to dynamic game scenarios.
3. Teamwork and Communication – Emphasizing collaboration, as success depends not only on technical skill but also on how well the team coordinates during high-pressure matches.

Like every robotics journey, challenges arose, from hardware malfunctions to coding errors. Yet, the combined support from mentors, alumni, and each other allowed the team to overcome these obstacles and transform setbacks into learning experiences.

YUVA Mauritius: Driving Youth Innovation

Behind Team Mauritius stands the unwavering support of YUVA Mauritius, the nation’s leading youth NGO, which is led by Dr. Krishna Athal. YUVA has been instrumental in:

• Sponsoring and supporting the team throughout the journey, ensuring that financial and logistical barriers do not limit the students’ opportunities.
• Promoting STEM education and innovation, giving Mauritian youth access to international platforms to showcase their potential.
• Building a legacy of robotics participation, where each generation inspires the next to aim higher.

With YUVA’s continued leadership and mentorship, Team Mauritius 2025 embodies the organization’s mission to empower youth and promote global collaboration.

Looking Forward to Panama

As the countdown to the FIRST Global Challenge 2025 in Panama continues, Team Mauritius stands prepared, inspired, and united. The team represents more than a group of young engineers — they are ambassadors of Mauritian talent, creativity, and resilience.

Their journey reflects:

• Dedication to STEM and innovation
• Commitment to teamwork and mentorship
• A vision for a sustainable and balanced world

With their robot ready, their strategy refined, and their spirits high, Team Mauritius is eager to showcase its capabilities, learn from global peers, and bring home experiences that will inspire the next generation of Mauritian innovators.

The world will soon see that from a small island in the Indian Ocean comes a team with big ideas, bold determination, and a heart for innovation — Team Mauritius at the FIRST Global Challenge 2025.