Pakistan robotics drive targets 10,000 students, 300 teachers
KARACHI (PR): Pakistan is stepping up efforts to expand access to robotics and science education, with a nationwide initiative targeting 10,000 students and 300 teachers through free training, regional competitions and practical technology-based learning.
The Pakistan Innovation Quest (PIQ), being implemented by the Pi Space Science Education Centre (PSSEC) in partnership with the World Robot Olympiad (WRO) Association, aims to bring robotics education to public and private schools, underserved communities, NGO-supported institutions and girls’ schools across the country.
Supported by Saudi Aramco, the initiative plans to conduct more than 60 RoboStarter Sprints, six regional competitions and a National Showcase, providing students with opportunities to develop practical skills in robotics, engineering and innovation.
The programme has already reached more than 6,000 learners and 518 teachers across Karachi, Lahore, Hyderabad, Gujranwala and Kasur, involving approximately 60 institutions.
Beyond expanding participation, PIQ is placing particular emphasis on making technology education accessible to communities that traditionally face barriers to such opportunities. The initiative aims to ensure female participation exceeds 40 percent and plans to distribute 100 robotics kits to underserved institutions.
An important component of the programme is its inclusive approach towards students with disabilities. At Deaf Reach School, deaf students participated in hands-on robotics training with assistance from sign-language interpreters and specialised trainers.
“Talent is universal. Access is not, and that is the divide Pakistan Innovation Quest was created to close,” said Zartaj Ahmed, CEO and Co-Founder of PSSEC and National Organizer of WRO Pakistan.
She said the initiative, with Aramco’s support, was reaching children who had never held a robotics kit, girls who had not imagined themselves as engineers and deaf learners who deserved opportunities to innovate without barriers.
Under the programme, students are introduced to practical robotics training and the WRO Future Innovators project cycle, through which they identify real-world challenges and develop technology-based solutions.
Teachers are also receiving training to help establish and sustain robotics education within their respective institutions.
Regional competition winners will advance to the PIQ National Showcase, where they will present their projects. Outstanding participants will also have opportunities to compete in future World Robot Olympiad Pakistan competitions.
The initiative seeks to strengthen technology education beyond conventional classroom learning by equipping young Pakistanis with practical problem-solving, creative thinking and innovation skills, while widening access to emerging technological fields.