Team Gautam Buddha Wins Second Place at AI for Good Robotics for Good Youth Challenge 2025 in Geneva
United School proudly celebrates a momentous achievement as Team Gautam Buddha (Team Nepal Junior) secured Second Place at the AI for Good – Robotics for Good Youth Challenge 2025, held in Geneva, Switzerland. Representing Nepal on the global stage, the team triumphed among 500+ international teams and over 7,000 participants from 25+ countries.
This prestigious global event was part of the AI for Good Global Summit hosted by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), focusing on AI and robotics solutions for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Nepal Shines on the Global Robotics Stage
After winning the national title in the Robotics for Good Youth Challenge – Nepal, Team Gautam Buddha was selected to represent Nepal in the Junior Category of the global challenge. Competing fiercely, they achieved 2nd Position, just 5 points behind Team Venezuela, and also secured the 3rd Position in an additional category-making it a dual win for Nepal.
Meet Team Gautam Buddha - Nepal Junior
The team consisted of four brilliant young minds from three different schools in Nepal:
- Aarav Gautam – United School
- Paridhi Shrestha – United School
- Anupam Bhujel – KMC School
- Riddhi Manandhar – Samriddhi School
Their innovation and technical solutions were focused on contributing to the UN SDGs using robotics technology. The team was mentored by:
- Er. Rishav Raj, Manager, Robotics Association of Nepal
- Mr. Kiran Khatri, Members’ Coordinator, Robotics Association of Nepal
Path to Geneva
The journey began at the Robotics for Good Youth Challenge – Nepal National Competition, held on May 28, 2025, at United School, Lalitpur. Seventeen schools participated in the Junior Category, with the final team selected through interviews and project evaluations.
The competition was organized by the Robotics Association of Nepal (RAN), the country's leading non-profit in robotics innovation since 2011, with a long-standing mission to bring Nepali youth into the global innovation ecosystem.
Behind this global success lies a story of perseverance engaging schools, inspiring students, overcoming financial hurdles, and navigating logistics. It took the collaboration of over 50 dedicated individuals and 10+ visionary institutions and partners to make this global representation a reality.
Our Sincere Thanks to:
- Educational Partner: United Academy Group
- Supporting Institutions: United School, Trinity College, Kathmandu Engineering College, Xavier Academy
- Collaborators: Global Reach, Shivashakti Edu-Tech Mart
- Government Support: Embassy of Switzerland in Nepal, Ministry of Communication, Information and Technology
- Special Acknowledgement: Hon. Prithvi Subba Gurung, Minister, MoCIT
A Historic Moment for United School
“This achievement reflects the spirit of innovation we nurture at United School,” said Mr. Manoj Biswakarma, Principal of United School.
Ms. Manasvi Bantawa, Deputy Director, added:
“From a national win to standing among the world’s best, this journey is deeply inspiring. It proves that with the right mentorship and opportunity, Nepali youth can create global impact.”
Alongside the Junior team, Team Sagarmatha (Team Nepal Senior) was also awarded as the 3rd Finalist in the Senior category of the competition. United School commends the efforts of the entire organizing committee:
- Mr. Omkar Jaiswal, Director & Initiator
- Ms. Riya Shahi, Country Event Lead
- Er. Sujan Karki, Co-Lead
- Er. Subash Shrestha, Technical Lead
- Support Team: Anuj Chaudhari, Ranju Kayastha, Pooja Gurung, Gaurab Badu
- Er. Bikash Gurung, President, Robotics Association of Nepal
About the AI for Good – Robotics for Good Youth Challenge
Organized under the AI for Good Global Summit by ITU, the Robotics for Good Youth Challenge empowers students to develop robotics solutions for real-world global challenges. It encourages youth to align innovation with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, promoting ethical and purposeful technology.
Conclusion
This achievement marks a turning point in Nepal’s education and technology journey. It is a proud reminder that Nepali students can compete and win on the global stage, given the right platform, mentorship, and support.