Team Maldives to Represent the Nation at the 2025 FIRST Global Challenge in Panama

Women in Tech Maldives has revealed that Team Maldives will represent the country at the 2025 FIRST Global Challenge, which is scheduled to take place in Panama City, Panama, from 29 October to 1 November.

The FIRST Global Challenge is an annual international robotics competition inspired by the spirit of the Olympics, bringing together high school students from more than 190 nations. Each year, participants compete and collaborate on technological solutions to global challenges. The 2025 theme, “Eco Equilibrium,” focuses on using robotics and technology to promote biodiversity and environmental sustainability.

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Participating teams will design and build robots from a standard robotics kit to navigate a simulated environment that represents the planet’s ecosystems. The competition aims to highlight the role of innovation in addressing environmental challenges, with students competing in alliances of three nations to encourage cross-border collaboration and problem-solving.

In addition to the main challenge, all teams will take part in the Eco Equilibrium New Technology Experience, a project-based initiative encouraging the use of emerging technologies to explore and protect biodiversity within their own countries.

Team Maldives comprises five students from ForLoop Coding Academy who share a strong passion for technology and innovation. Team captain Eashal (17) leads design and coordination, combining creativity with a love for the ocean. Shua (15) oversees research and analysis, ensuring the team’s work aligns with sustainable objectives. Yoonus (16) serves as the lead programmer, focusing on precision and adaptability in robot performance. Zaidhan (14) assists in programming and manages technical inventory, while Alaan (14) handles assembly and testing, ensuring all components operate effectively.

The team’s participation reflects years of learning and dedication, supported by Women in Tech Maldives, the official partner for the FIRST Global Challenge in the Maldives.

The FIRST Global Challenge rotates host nations each year and is built around one of the 14 Grand Challenges for Engineering, including themes such as energy, environment, and health. The initiative seeks to foster innovation, collaboration, and cultural understanding among youth worldwide, inspiring future generations of engineers and scientific leaders.