Pakistan Innovation Quest: 10,000 Students to Benefit from Powerful Robotics Education Initiative
Pakistan Innovation Quest is opening new opportunities for young people across the country by making robotics and STEM education more accessible. Implemented by the Pi Space Science Education Centre (PSSEC), in partnership with the World Robot Olympiad (WRO) Association and powered by Aramco, the national initiative aims to help students develop practical technology skills regardless of their financial background, location, gender or disability.
The programme is designed to reach 10,000 learners and 300 teachers through more than 60 RoboStarter Sprints, six regional competitions and a National Showcase. It aims to create a pathway for students to move from their first experience with robotics to developing innovative solutions for real-world challenges and eventually competing through the World Robot Olympiad Pakistan platform.
Pakistan Innovation Quest Expands Access to Robotics Education
Access to quality technology education remains a challenge for many students, particularly those from underserved communities. The initiative addresses this gap by providing free robotics training across public and private schools, low-income communities, NGO-supported institutions and girls’ schools.
With support from Aramco, students who might otherwise lack access to robotics equipment and structured STEM learning can participate in hands-on activities and explore their potential in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
The programme also focuses on making technology education inclusive for students with disabilities. At Deaf Reach School, deaf students participated in practical robotics training with the support of interpreters and trainers fluent in sign language.
For many participants, it was their first opportunity to work with a robotics kit, allowing them to take an active role as builders, problem-solvers and innovators rather than simply observing others.
“Talent is universal. Access is not—and that is the divide Pakistan Innovation Quest was created to close,” said Zartaj Ahmed, CEO and Co-Founder of PSSEC and National Organizer of WRO Pakistan.
She added that the initiative, enabled by Aramco, aims to reach children who have never used robotics kits, girls who have not previously considered engineering as a career, and deaf learners who deserve equal opportunities to innovate.
More Than 6,000 Students and 518 Teachers Already Trained
The initiative has already made significant progress towards its national targets. More than 6,000 learners and 518 teachers have received training, with activities reaching Karachi, Lahore, Hyderabad, Gujranwala and Kasur. Around 60 institutions have also joined the growing network.
The programme’s RoboStarter Sprints combine practical robotics training with the WRO Future Innovators project cycle. Students learn to develop projects and work towards WRO certification, while teachers receive professional development to continue robotics education within their institutions after the training concludes.
Pakistan Innovation Quest is also targeting more than 40 percent female participation, reflecting its commitment to encouraging girls to pursue STEM-related learning and careers.
Additionally, the initiative plans to donate 100 robotics kits to underserved institutions, helping schools continue practical learning beyond the programme’s training activities.
Aramco Partnership Supports Long-Term STEM Development
Aramco’s partnership is central to expanding the programme’s reach and creating sustainable learning opportunities for students and teachers.
Hussain N. Hanbazazah, Aramco Vice President of Communications Operations and Corporate Citizenship, said STEM education represents an investment in future innovators, problem-solvers and leaders.
He highlighted the company’s Global STEM Education Program and its commitment to expanding access to meaningful learning opportunities worldwide.
Through its collaboration with PSSEC and the WRO Association, Aramco aims to create 10,000 robotics learning opportunities for students across Pakistan. The initiative’s focus on both teachers and learners is intended to build capabilities that extend beyond individual training sessions.
Regional Competitions to Create Pathways for Young Innovators
The programme will culminate in six regional competitions, followed by a National Showcase where winning students and teachers will present their projects and solutions.
The event will bring together school leaders, government representatives, STEM partners and international stakeholders. Participants demonstrating strong potential will also have opportunities to progress towards future WRO Pakistan competitions.
By combining free training, teacher development, practical projects and competitive opportunities, Pakistan Innovation Quest is building a broader foundation for technology education.
Ultimately, the initiative aims to help young Pakistanis move beyond simply using future technologies and become the innovators who create them. With Aramco’s support and an expanding network of educational institutions, the programme is working to make robotics and STEM learning more accessible, inclusive and sustainable across the country.
