Team Guyana Robotics has arrived in Korea to represent the country at the 2026 FIRST Global Challenge, with the young robotics team now preparing to compete against teams from more than 190 countries.
The team, participating through STEMGuyana and with support from other sponsors, arrived safely in Korea on Monday, October 5, with its robot and reported no major travel complications.
The international competition is being held in Incheon, Republic of Korea, from October 7 to 10, bringing together high-school-aged students from around the world for an Olympics-style robotics challenge. This year’s theme, “Igniting Innovation,” focuses on using robotics and technology to address challenges related to wildfire prevention, mitigation and recovery.
An update posted on Team Guyana’s social media page said the team quickly settled in after arriving and began meeting participants from other countries.
“And in true Guyanese style, they are already making friends at 3am!”
The competition gives students an opportunity to develop and demonstrate skills in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, while working with peers from different countries and cultures.
STEMGuyana founder and Executive Director Dr. Karen Abrams told Village Voice News that some of Guyana’s best young minds are among those participating.
Abrams expressed confidence that the Guyanese team can shine in the international competition, saying its members are equally capable of competing alongside young people from more developed societies. She continues to root for the team’s success as it represents Guyana in Korea.
Team members have already begun technical preparations at the competition arena, testing their robot and making adjustments ahead of the matches.
“Practice. Test. Change. Repeat.”
The team said the arena sessions are important for identifying problems and making necessary changes before and during competition.
The Guyanese contingent has also made a special connection at the event after meeting Marva Burke, a volunteer and judge with FIRST Global. The team discovered that Burke is Guyanese and originally from Ruimveldt.
“Get this, she is Guyanese!!!! 🇬🇾🇬🇾🇬🇾🇬🇾”
Although Burke was busy with her responsibilities and the initial conversation was brief, the team said it looks forward to learning more about her during the event.
The team’s first day also included registration, setting up its booth and meeting participants from around the world. Members encountered another Guyanese volunteering at the event.
With the competition now underway, Team Guyana is encouraging supporters at home and abroad to follow its social media page for updates on the team’s matches, progress and experiences in Korea.
“Follow along as our team represents Guyana at the FIRST Global Challenge.”
The 2026 challenge brings together more than 190 national teams in Incheon, with the finals, awards and closing ceremony scheduled for October 10.
Guyanese can follow Team Guyana Robotics’ social media page to keep abreast of its progress and cheer on the young innovators as they compete on the international robotics stage.
