Mumbai’s Team Paraducks Makes History, Qualifies for FIRST Robotics World Championship with Dominating Performance

Mumbai, 26 March, 2024: Mumbai-based robotics team, Team Paraducks, has become a source of immense national pride after securing a spot at the FIRST Robotics World Championship in Houston, Texas. This marks the first time an Indian team has qualified for the global competition based solely on their exceptional engineering skills, achieved during their very first year competing.

 

Aakrit Agrawal, grade 9 from Cathedral John Connon School, lead his team - Paraducks, as the robot driver to the Halic Regional Championship in Istanbul, Turkey. The team comprised of 20 passionate students from nine different Mumbai schools, triumphed at the Haliç Regional Championship in Istanbul, Turkey. Their journey wasn't without its challenges. After facing initial setbacks, the team displayed remarkable resilience, going on a winning streak that propelled them to the semi-finals and ultimately, victory in the finals. They even secured the prestigious "Excellence in Engineering Award" at the regional competition. The team was trained and mentored by Meenal Majumder, founder of The Innovation Story in Mumbai which prepares over 1000 students for this prestigious competition.

Team Paraduck's journey to victory wasn't a fairytale. Despite an initial rough patch where they lost two early matches, the team displayed remarkable resilience.  They used these setbacks as a springboard, analyzing their mistakes and strategizing on the fly. This newfound determination propelled them on a winning streak, taking them all the way to the finals where they dominated the competition.

 

Team Paraduck’s triumph is a testament to the power of perseverance, teamwork, and a commitment to innovation.  The team is now busy preparing for the World Championship, taking place April 17th to 20th. They are working tirelessly to refine their robot and strategically analyze their competitors to ensure a strong showing on the global stage.

 This incredible achievement isn't just about winning a competition; it's about inspiring future generations. Team Paraducks is committed to inclusivity, with a team composition reflecting a healthy 45% female representation.  Their dedication extends beyond robotics, with outreach efforts that include securing $20,000 in funding for underserved communities in Mumbai and Sri Lanka.

 

Team Paraducks' story is a shining example of India's potential in STEM education and a beacon of hope for aspiring young minds across the nation. Their journey to the World Championship is a story of grit, determination, and a passion for science and technology, making all of India proud.