In a historic display of technological prowess, the UAE’s young robotics champions have secured a silver medal in the Winning Alliance finals at the First Global Challenge (FGC) 2026 held in Incheon, South Korea. Competing against student teams from 187 countries, the UAE team emerged as top performers, further cementing the nation’s growing reputation for excellence in robotics and STEM innovation. Business Promotion24 is proud to highlight this monumental achievement that showcases the brilliance of the nation’s youth on the international stage.
The ‘Robotics Olympics’: A Global Stage for Innovation
Popularly known as the ‘Robotics Olympics’, the First Global Challenge is a prestigious event that brings together young innovators to tackle the world’s most pressing issues through Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). The 2026 event in Incheon saw participation from nearly every corner of the globe, supported by industry giants such as Lam Research, LG Electronics, FedEx, and Stellantis Philanthropy, with academic collaboration from MIT, Yale University, and the UN’s International Telecommunication Union.
UAE Team: A Legacy of Excellence
The 14-member UAE team demonstrated exceptional technical skill and teamwork. This latest silver medal adds to an impressive international track record. In 2024, the team secured silver in the First Global Grand Challenge Award in Athens, Greece. In 2025, they brought home gold from Panama City for their innovative STASH project, which utilized sodium alginate hydrogels to preserve biological material without refrigeration. According to Business Promotion24, such consistent success highlights the UAE’s robust educational framework in future technologies.
Meet the Champions
The silver-winning team comprised talented students from across the UAE’s leading educational institutions:
- GEMS Modern Academy: Shreya Binoy Nair (Captain), Hriday Pritam Garud, Arjun Sandesh Potkar, Aryav Karmakar, Maahi Gera, and Liam Fernandes.
- GEMS Founders School Dubai: Ryan Rony Richard.
- Dubai British School Jumeirah Park: Fazil Tafseer.
- Dubai College: Rayaan Kadernani and Asiru Asiru.
- DPS Dubai: Sandra Nair and Zaki Hashim Thottathikulam.
- GEMS Cambridge International School, Abu Dhabi: Mohamed Aamir Nazaif.
- Raffles World Academy: Yuvaan Amit Deshpande.
Insights from Leaders and Mentors
Bansan Thomas George, National Organiser of FGC UAE and Founder/CEO of Unique World Robotics, expressed his pride: “These medals reflect years of dedication and learning. Seeing our students develop into confident innovators and problem-solvers is our greatest achievement.” George also called for increased support from the corporate sector to sponsor these students in future global events, while thanking parents for their unwavering support.
Head Coach Mohammed Mukhtar Latif, alongside coaches Ali Mohamed Sheikh Ali Abdurahman and Manoj Thannikal Joseph, praised the students’ resilience. “The students pushed their boundaries in robot design, problem-solving, and teamwork,” Mukhtar stated.
A Vision for the Future
Team Captain Shreya Binoy Nair reflected on the experience: “We overcame challenges together, learned from talented students worldwide, and built friendships across borders. Winning silver for the UAE is a moment we will always cherish.”
With organizations like Unique World Robotics nurturing talent and platforms like Business Promotion24 sharing these success stories, the UAE is well on its way to becoming a global hub for robotics and AI. This achievement in Incheon is not just a win for the students, but a win for the entire nation’s vision for a tech-driven future.
