The evening air at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport was filled with emotion and anticipation as the Mauritius Robotics Team prepared to embark on an extraordinary journey to Panama City. Their destination: the FIRST Global Challenge 2025, a world-renowned robotics competition that brings together young innovators from over 190 countries.

This year’s edition is more than a competition — it’s a celebration of collaboration, innovation, and the limitless potential of youth united through technology. For the Mauritian team, the departure symbolised both national pride and a new chapter in their journey as ambassadors of science and creativity.

A Moment of Pride and Unity at the Airport

The departure hall in Plaine Magnien buzzed with heartfelt emotion. Families, mentors, and supporters gathered to bid farewell to the young innovators who had dedicated countless hours to designing, programming, and refining their robot for this global event.

Parents captured final photographs, friends exchanged tight embraces, and teachers offered final words of encouragement. For many of the students, this marked not only their first international competition but also their first experience travelling abroad — making the moment all the more memorable.

Despite the bittersweet goodbyes, the team’s determination was unwavering. Carrying the Mauritian flag, they represented not just their schools and mentors, but the aspirations of an entire nation ready to make its mark on the international stage of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

From Mauritius to Panama: A Journey of Dedication

The journey from Mauritius to Panama was no small feat. The team’s first leg — an 11-hour and 15-minute flight to Paris — was followed by a 7-hour layover, before continuing to Bogotá, Colombia, and finally to Panama City.

Long hours of travel and multiple stopovers did little to dampen the team’s spirits. On the contrary, their energy was infectious — a mix of excitement, pride, and curiosity. For many, seeing the Paris airport for the first time was an eye-opening experience, a glimpse into the global world they were about to join as innovators and collaborators.

Each leg of the journey reflected their resilience and readiness to face challenges head-on — the same perseverance that guided their months of preparation leading up to this moment.

Mauritius on the Global Robotics Stage

The FIRST Global Challenge, often referred to as the Olympics of Robotics, is one of the most prestigious youth technology competitions in the world. Each year, teams of young engineers and programmers work together to design and build robots capable of solving real-world challenges inspired by global issues — from renewable energy to water conservation and sustainable development.

By participating, the Mauritius Robotics Team not only showcases the island nation’s growing commitment to STEM education but also highlights the country’s emerging role in technological innovation within the African and Indian Ocean regions.

Months of training, mentoring, and teamwork have prepared the team for this event. Under the guidance of experienced coaches and educators, the students learned how to merge creativity with critical thinking, applying engineering principles to design efficient, problem-solving robots.

Their participation is not only about competition — it’s about collaboration, innovation, and cultural exchange. It’s about proving that Mauritian youth have the skills and mindset to compete on the world stage and contribute meaningfully to the global conversation around technology and sustainability.

Family Pride and Emotional Goodbyes

As the team queued for check-in and security, emotions ran high. Parents looked on with pride, their eyes glistening with both joy and nervousness. For many families, this was the first time their children would be travelling thousands of kilometres away from home.

For the students, excitement mingled with emotion. They understood the weight of the moment — representing their country, fulfilling dreams, and taking their first steps as young innovators on a global platform. The moment they passed through the departure gates, the airport echoed with applause, waves, and well-wishes — a send-off worthy of national ambassadors.

A Symbol of Progress and Innovation

The Mauritius Robotics Team’s participation in the FIRST Global Challenge 2025 is a reflection of the nation’s broader vision for the future — one that values education, science, and technological advancement as keys to sustainable growth.

Mauritius has made significant strides in STEM education in recent years, introducing robotics, coding, and innovation-based learning at various educational levels. Initiatives by NGOs, schools, and national bodies have strengthened this ecosystem, helping young people develop problem-solving and leadership skills essential for the modern world.

By competing internationally, these students embody the spirit of Mauritian innovation and resilience. They are not only representing their schools or mentors — they are representing the potential of an entire generation ready to lead the country toward a more technologically advanced and inclusive future.

The Road to Panama: A New Chapter Begins

Upon arrival in Panama City, the Mauritian delegation will join hundreds of young minds from across the globe. The event will include several days of competition, collaboration, and cultural exchange, where teams will test their robots, refine their strategies, and learn from peers and mentors from diverse backgrounds.

The FIRST Global Challenge is more than a test of technical skill — it is a celebration of global unity and shared learning. The Mauritian students will have opportunities to interact with peers from around the world, exchange innovative ideas, and form friendships that transcend borders.

Whether they bring home medals or not, their participation is already a remarkable achievement — one that places Mauritius firmly on the map of global innovation and youth empowerment.

A Journey That Inspires a Nation

As their plane took off into the night sky on 26 October, the cheers and waves from the crowd faded into the distance — but what remained was a shared sense of pride, hope, and unity.

The Mauritius Robotics Team is not just travelling to compete; they are travelling to inspire. Their journey represents the dreams of every young Mauritian who believes in the power of creativity, teamwork, and education to change the world.

As they step into the spotlight at the FIRST Global Challenge 2025, the entire nation stands behind them — proud, inspired, and ready to celebrate their achievement on the world stage.

Tereza Röslerová – Communications Officer