Robotics for Everyone: Grants, Competitions, and Programs for Schoolchildren from Central Asia

Foundation for Engineering Development in Kazakhstan and Central Asia
An organization that develops STEM education in the region by supporting schoolchildren and students in robotics, artificial intelligence, space, and drone technologies, as well as creating educational championships and infrastructure. The Foundation organizes the largest engineering competitions in Central Asia, collaborates with international partners, implements programs in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan, and strives to ensure equal access to modern technical education for all students, regardless of region and social status.

FIRST
An international non-profit organization that develops youth programs in robotics and STEM education for schoolchildren of various ages through practical team competitions such as FIRST LEGO League, FIRST Tech Challenge, and FIRST Robotics Competition. Participants learn to design and program robots, solve engineering problems, and work in teams under the mentorship of mentors, developing skills directly related to future careers in technology and engineering.

Robotek School of Robotics
An educational and sports robotics school in Astana that teaches children and teenagers engineering skills through offline and online courses, sports robotics, and programming, and also prepares teams to participate in the Robotek Grand Tournament. The school also works with schools, teachers, and corporate partners, developing the STEM education ecosystem in Kazakhstan through educational programs, competitions, and initiatives such as Robotek Partners and the Ozyq Urpaq project.

World Robot Olympiad
An international non-profit robotics olympiad for schoolchildren and students aged 8-19, held in more than 95 countries and aimed at fostering interest in STEM through team competitions in four categories: RoboMission, RoboSports, Future Innovators, and Future Engineers. Participants solve engineering problems using robotics, developing creativity, programming skills, and engineering thinking within a global educational community.

AI for Good Global Summit
This is a set of international and regional initiatives and platforms in the field of STEM education, robotics, and artificial intelligence that develop engineering thinking, programming skills, and teamwork among children and teenagers through competitions, training, and projects. Among the key global programs are FIRST and World Robot Olympiad, which conduct large-scale robotics championships for schoolchildren around the world, as well as the AI for Good initiative, which brings together the UN, industry, and experts to develop responsible AI and youth educational programs.

When: July 7-8
Where: Geneva, Switzerland