The Robotics for Good Youth Challenge India 2025 concluded on October 11, 2025, at Yashobhoomi, India International Convention Centre, New Delhi, celebrating the ingenuity of young innovators in leveraging robotics and AI to address global challenges like food security and sustainable development.
Event Highlights
Organized by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) under its AI for Good Impact Initiative, in collaboration with the I-Hub Foundation for Cobotics (IHFC), IIT Delhi, and supported by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Ministry of Communications, this national challenge showcased innovative robotics solutions developed by 271 participants from 55 teams across India. The event, held during the 9th India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2025, was inaugurated by Shri Deb Kumar Chakrabarti, Member (Services), Digital Communications Commission, and Dr. Bilel Jamoussi, Deputy to the Director and Chief of ITU’s Telecommunication Standardization Bureau.
Shri Chakrabarti emphasized India’s role as a global leader in AI and robotics, stating: “India must lead innovation in AI and robotics. By fostering creativity among the youth, we can address the innovation paradox and build capabilities to solve global challenges like hunger.” The challenge, aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), focused on agriculture and food security, encouraging students aged 10–18 to design and program robots for real-world impact.
Award Winners
The competition featured two categories—Junior and Senior—with awards for top performers and recognition for innovation.
Junior Category
- Champion: Team Heyansh, Playto Labs, Bengaluru – Selected to represent India at the Global Grand Finale in Geneva, Switzerland, July 2026.
- First Runner-up: Team Robo Knights Junior, DPS R.K. Puram, New Delhi.
- Second Runner-up: Team Naitik, Playto Labs, Bengaluru.
- Most Innovative Robot: Team Heyansh, Playto Labs, Bengaluru.
Senior Category
- Champion: Team The Ambitious Avengers, Sant Atulanand Convent School, Koirajpur, Varanasi – Back-to-back winners, set to represent India again in Geneva, July 2026.
- First Runner-up: Team Aarav, Playto Labs, Bengaluru.
- Second Runner-up: Team Code, Lotus Valley International School, Noida.
- Most Innovative Robot: Team Aarav, Playto Labs, Bengaluru.
The award ceremony, attended by dignitaries including Dr. Parag Agarwal, Deputy Director General (Telecom Technology Development Fund), DoT, and Prof. Sunil Jha, IIT Delhi, celebrated the participants’ creativity and teamwork.
Digital Safety Awareness
A key highlight was a “Digital Safety for Youth” session by Ms. Diksha Dhiman, ADET (AI & DIU), DoT, which educated students from eight states on online safety, responsible digital engagement, and ethical technology use. The session underscored the Government of India’s commitment to fostering responsible digital citizens.
Global Ambitions
Team Heyansh (Junior) and The Ambitious Avengers (Senior) will represent India at the Global Grand Finale in Geneva (July 7–10, 2026), competing among 25 countries under the ITU’s AI for Good Initiative. The event highlighted India’s growing influence in global innovation, with discussions on topics like “AI for Good: Unleashing AI and Robotics to Solve Global Challenges” and “Robotics and AI for a Youth-Led Society.”
About the Robotics for Good Youth Challenge
This flagship ITU initiative encourages youth to develop robotics and AI solutions for the SDGs, fostering global collaboration among students, educators, and technologists. The India challenge, co-hosted by DoT and ITU in partnership with IHFC–IIT Delhi, emphasized innovation in agriculture and food security, aligning with India’s vision to empower youth through technology.
India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2025
IMC 2025, Asia’s largest technology forum, organized by DoT and the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), brought together global ICT leaders to explore advancements in connectivity, digital transformation, and AI’s evolving role.
Looking Ahead
The Robotics for Good Youth Challenge India 2025 highlighted the potential of India’s youth to drive technological innovation for social good. Dignitaries praised the collaboration between ITU, DoT, and IHFC–IIT Delhi, encouraging participants to continue innovating responsibly to shape a sustainable future.