For the ninth consecutive year, Madagascar will be represented at the First Global Challenge, a global robotics competition that brings together high school students from over 190 countries. The FGC Team Madagascar, comprising students aged 13-17, is seeking to secure a third consecutive gold medal, having previously won in 2024 in Athens and 2025 in Panama. The team's captain, Ny Avo Hasiniony, a programmer, is leading the charge.
This year's competition, themed "Igniting Innovation," focuses on forest fire management, safety, and environmental resilience. The team has chosen to participate in the "fight" category of the New Technology Experiences challenge, with a solution deployed on three levels of intervention. The solution involves robots that will follow heat sources and extinguish fires, detect atmospheric changes, and deploy compressed liquid, as well as autonomous drones that will analyze smoke to detect fires in real-time.
The team's project aims to provide innovative solutions to the recurring problem of forest fires in Madagascar. According to Ny Avo, "Forest fires are a pressing issue globally, and in Madagascar, it's a persistent problem that requires innovative and sustainable solutions." The team's members believe that their project can make a significant impact, with Cathalia Rakotondrazaka, Media-Press officer, stating, "We will send robots to areas where it's dangerous for humans."
The First Global Challenge provides equal conditions for all participating teams, with the same kit and components supplied to each nation. The competition's organizers emphasize that it's the intelligence and creativity of the teams that will make the difference. Five members of the FGC Team Madagascar will travel to Seoul, while the remaining five will provide logistical support from Madagascar.
The team's journey to the competition has been marked by dedication and hard work. The members have been brainstorming and refining their project, with Ny Avo leading the discussions. The team's previous successes have earned them recognition, and they are determined to make a lasting impact.
The FGC Team Madagascar's project has been submitted, and the team is awaiting selection. However, the team's confidence and determination are evident, with Ny Avo stating that they have what it takes to secure a third consecutive gold medal. The competition will take place from October 7-10 in Seoul.
The First Global Challenge has been a platform for Madagascar to showcase its talent and innovation, with the team consistently ranking in the top 5 since its inception in 2017. The competition's emphasis on technology and innovation aligns with Madagascar's goals to develop its STEM education and create a more competitive workforce.
Key points
- The FGC Team Madagascar is seeking to secure a third consecutive gold medal at the First Global Challenge in Seoul.
