The Pi Space Science Education Centre (PSSEC), in partnership with the World Robot Olympiad (WRO) Association and with support from Aramco, is expanding access to robotics and science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education through its Pakistan Innovation Quest (PIQ). The national initiative is creating opportunities for students and teachers to gain practical experience with robotics, develop technical skills and explore technology-based solutions to real-world challenges. Its programme aims to reach 10,000 learners and 300 teachers through more than 60 RoboStarter Sprints, six regional competitions and a National Showcase. The initiative is designed to make robotics learning accessible to young people across different communities, including students who have limited access to technology resources because of financial circumstances, geographical location, gender or disability. Through free training activities and partnerships with educational institutions, PIQ is providing students with opportunities to move beyond classroom-based theoretical learning and work directly with robotics equipment. The programme also creates a pathway for participants to progress from introductory activities to developing original projects and competing at regional and national levels, with opportunities to engage with the wider World Robot Olympiad Pakistan platform.
The initiative has already trained more than 6,000 learners and 518 teachers across Karachi, Lahore, Hyderabad, Gujranwala and Kasur, with approximately 60 institutions joining its network. Its RoboStarter Sprints combine practical robotics instruction with the WRO Future Innovators project cycle, allowing students to apply their technical knowledge through project development and work towards WRO certification. Teachers also receive professional development to help them continue robotics education within their institutions after the formal training sessions conclude. Aramco’s support has enabled the programme to provide free learning opportunities across public and private schools, low-income communities, NGO-supported institutions and girls’ schools. PIQ is targeting more than 40% female participation, with the aim of increasing girls’ involvement in technology and engineering activities. The programme also plans to donate 100 robotics kits to underserved institutions, giving participating schools equipment that can support continued learning and practical experimentation. These activities are intended to create a learning environment in which students can develop problem-solving abilities, understand how robotics systems work and gain early exposure to fields that are becoming increasingly relevant across technology and industry.
Inclusive participation is another part of the programme, with PIQ extending hands-on robotics training to students with disabilities. At Deaf Reach School, deaf students participated in practical robotics sessions supported by sign-language interpreters and trainers familiar with sign language. The students were able to work directly with robotics kits, build projects and take part in problem-solving activities. This approach places practical participation at the centre of technology education, allowing students with different learning requirements to engage with the same technical concepts and creative exercises. Zartaj Ahmed, CEO and Co-Founder of PSSEC and National Organizer of WRO Pakistan, said the initiative was established to address differences in access to robotics education and reach children who may not otherwise have the opportunity to work with such equipment. Aramco’s Vice President of Communications Operations and Corporate Citizenship, Hussain N. Hanbazazah, described STEM education as an investment in future innovators, problem-solvers and leaders. He said the collaboration with PSSEC and the WRO Association would create learning opportunities for young people while supporting both students and teachers. The partnership therefore combines practical training, educator development and access to equipment as part of its wider education programme.
The next stage of Pakistan Innovation Quest will bring participants together through six regional competitions and a National Showcase, where students and teachers will present their projects to school leaders, government representatives, STEM partners and international stakeholders. Regional winners will progress to the national event, while high-performing participants will have pathways towards future WRO Pakistan competitions. The structure is intended to connect classroom learning with opportunities to demonstrate technical work, receive feedback and interact with a broader innovation community. Alongside robotics training, PIQ is also supporting KP AWAZ, a community voice-data initiative that invites contributors to submit voluntary voice recordings to help develop datasets for Pashto and other regional languages. Such datasets can support research and development in speech technologies, including systems designed to recognise and process local languages. The initiative adds a language-technology dimension to the programme’s wider focus on practical innovation and access to emerging technologies. With thousands of learners and hundreds of teachers already participating, Pakistan Innovation Quest is building a network of educational institutions and young technology enthusiasts. Its planned expansion, competitions and equipment support are intended to give more students across Pakistan the opportunity to develop robotics skills and explore careers in science and technology.
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