Karachi, Pakistan (6th July) – The National Aerospace Science & Technology Park (NASTP) Silicon in Karachi came alive with energy and enthusiasm on July 6th as it hosted the highly anticipated World Robot Olympiad (WRO) ‘24 Pakistan National Competition. The event was a resounding success, attracting over 250 participants, including esteemed guests from various industries, NASTP-based companies, team members, coaches, parents, school heads, volunteers, judges, and STEM educators.

The competition kicked off with team registrations, followed by an inspiring opening ceremony attended by:

Air Vice Marshal Amir Shahzad, Air Officer Commanding, Southern Air Command (AOC SOUTH), Air Commodore S M Ghayasuddin (Retd), DG Park Silicon, NASTP Group Captain Dr. Shoaib Arif, Director Tech, NASTP Silicon and Wing Commander Mudassir Khan, Director ICT, NASTP Silicon.

Their presence highlighted the significance of the WRO competition in promoting STEM education and nurturing innovation among Pakistan’s youth.

The cutting-edge facilities at NASTP Silicon provided an ideal backdrop for the Olympic-style competition, reflecting the spirit of collaboration and creativity that WRO embodies. The partnership between NASTP Silicon, NIIT Lahore and WRO Pakistan underscores their collective dedication to fostering a platform for academic, industrial, and governmental synergy.

The Karachi chapter of the WRO National Competition announced the following winners:

RoboMission Elementary: Challenging Legends of Fajr Academy

RoboMission Junior: Robo Dynamos of The Lab School

RoboMission Senior: Techno Crusaders of The Lab School

Future Innovators (1st Place): Innovation Insurgents of Badri High School

Future Innovators (2nd Place): Innovation Avengers of Badri High School

The event concluded with a heartfelt closing ceremony, where Air Commodore S M Ghayasuddin (Retd), DG Park Silicon, NASTP, served as the guest of honor. The ceremony featured the presentation of certificates of appreciation to volunteers, shields and certificates to judges, and trophies to the victorious teams.

Introduced in 2018, WRO Pakistan is an Olympic-style robotics competition that has seen remarkable growth under the stewardship of Pi Space Science Education Centre (PSSEC), the National Organizer. The program’s immense value for Pakistan’s youth is evident in its exponential growth, with Pakistani teams consistently participating and excelling in international finals and open championships each year.