The Malagasy team FGC Team Madagascar 2025, supported by STEM For Good Madagascar, will participate in the 9th edition of the FIRST Global Challenge in Panama City, from October 29 to November 1, 2025. Facing more than 190 countries, these young innovators are tackling environmental issues through robotics, embodying the creativity and determination of Malagasy youth.
Madagascar proudly participates in the FIRST Global Challenge, a global robotics event that brings together more than 190 countries around a common goal: harnessing science, technology and innovation to address major global challenges. Organized from October 29 to November 1, 2025 in Panama City, this edition, under the theme “Eco-Equilibrium”, challenges the brightest young minds on the planet to design robotic solutions to balance human development and environmental preservation. The Malagasy national team, FGC Team Madagascar 2025, is ready to defend the colors of the country. Mentored by MANANTSIORY Tahiry, it is made up of four young talents: Barisoa Andrianina (17 years old, team captain), Andriafeliniony Mandresy Nathan (16 years old, co-captain, pilot and spokesperson), Rakotoarimalala Nomen’Aina Hanniel (16 years old, strategist) and Nomenjanahary Marie Luciana (16 years old, human player). Despite the challenges encountered, particularly financial and logistical, the team embodies resilience, creativity and determination.
Technology and ecology
This year’s theme, “Eco-Equilibrium”, invites participants to rethink our relationship with nature, reduce the ecological footprint and restore the vitality of ecosystems. Teams must design robots that can perform specific tasks, such as handling balloons and climbing a rope, while collaborating to solve one of the 14 grand challenges of global engineering. “ During the competition, the robot must take balloons, throw them and climb a rope. These tasks symbolize efforts to address global environmental challenges while fostering cooperation among young people », explains Marie Luciana. Since May 1, 2025, the Malagasy team has been training intensively, participating in online challenges – the 16th is already underway. Between designing prototypes, managing pressure, soft skills workshops and strengthening team cohesion, the young representatives are preparing to face demanding competition. “ We started working on prototypes, drawing inspiration from those from previous years. The kits provided by FIRST Global are valuable, but we have had to overcome obstacles, particularly financial ones. We went from five members to four, with just one mentor instead of two. Despite everything, we never lost hope and always looked for solutions », confides Marie Luciana.
In partnership with STEM For Good Madagascar, the national team benefits from rigorous supervision to prepare for this major event. The Malagasy delegation will fly to Panama City on October 26, 2025, ready to fly the national colors high.
Heriniaina Samson