PIQ expanding access to meaningful robotics, STEM learning

Karachi: The Pakistan Innovation Quest (PIQ), spearheaded by the Pi Space Science Education Centre (PSSEC) in collaboration with the World Robot Olympiad (WRO) Association and supported by Aramco, is broadening access to impactful robotics and STEM education throughout Pakistan. This national effort eradicates obstacles to robotics education for young individuals historically hindered by financial constraints, location, gender, or disability.

PIQ aims to involve 10,000 learners and 300 educators through over 60 RoboStarter Sprints, six regional competitions, and a National Showcase. The program establishes a clear trajectory for students: from initial exposure to robotics, progressing to crafting innovative solutions for real-world issues, competing at regional levels, and eventually aiming for the World Robot Olympiad Pakistan platform.

Aramco's partnership has enabled PIQ to offer complimentary training in public and private schools, impoverished communities, NGO-managed institutions, and girls' schools. PIQ also demonstrates that genuine STEM inclusion must accommodate diverse abilities. At Deaf Reach School, deaf students participated in hands-on robotics training, assisted by interpreters and trainers fluent in sign language.

For many, this was their inaugural experience working with a robotics kit—not merely as spectators, but as creators, troubleshooters, and innovators.

Zartaj Ahmed, CEO and Co-Founder of PSSEC and National Organizer of WRO Pakistan, emphasized, "Talent is universal. Access is not—and that is the divide Pakistan Innovation Quest was created to close." With Aramco facilitating this initiative, they are reaching children who have never handled a robotics kit, girls who have never envisioned themselves as engineers, and deaf learners who deserve to innovate without obstacles.

PIQ's RoboStarter Sprints merge practical robotics instruction with the WRO Future Innovators project cycle. Students aspire to attain WRO certification, while teachers receive professional development to perpetuate robotics learning within their institutions beyond the training's conclusion. The movement has already trained more than 6,000 learners and 518 educators, engaging Karachi, Lahore, Hyderabad, Gujranwala, and Kasur.

Approximately 60 institutions have joined the network. PIQ targets over 40 percent female participation and plans to donate 100 robotics kits to underprivileged institutions to sustain learning post-initiative.

Hussain N. Hanbazazah, Aramco Vice President of Communications Operations & Corporate Citizenship, stated, "At Aramco, we view STEM education as an investment in the innovators, problem-solvers, and leaders of tomorrow."