The Pi Space Science Education Centre (PSSEC) is expanding robotics and STEM learning across Pakistan through the Pakistan Innovation Quest (PIQ). This national initiative, implemented by PSSEC in partnership with the World Robot Olympiad (WRO) Association and powered by Aramco, seeks to remove barriers to education for young people who have been historically excluded due to geography, gender, disability, or cost.
The initiative aims to reach 10,000 learners and 300 teachers through more than 60 RoboStarter Sprints, six regional competitions, and a National Showcase. PIQ provides a pathway for students to move from their first encounter with robotics to developing original solutions for real-world challenges, eventually progressing toward the World Robot Olympiad Pakistan platform.
Aramco’s partnership has allowed PIQ to provide free training to public and private schools, girls’ schools, NGO-supported institutions, and low-income communities. The program also includes inclusion for students with disabilities; for example, deaf students at Deaf Reach School received hands-on training supported by sign language interpreters and trainers. For many of these students, it was their first time working with a robotics kit as builders and innovators rather than observers.
Zartaj Ahmed, CEO and Co-Founder of PSSEC and National Organizer of WRO Pakistan, stated that "Talent is universal. Access is not—and that is the divide Pakistan Innovation Quest was created to close." She added that with Aramco’s support, the initiative is reaching children who have never held a robotics kit, girls who have not imagined themselves as engineers, and deaf learners who deserve to innovate without barriers.
The RoboStarter Sprints combine practical training with the WRO Future Innovators project cycle. Students work toward WRO certification, while teachers receive professional development to ensure robotics learning continues within their institutions. To date, the movement has trained more than 6,000 learners and 518 teachers in Karachi, Lahore, Hyderabad, Gujranwala, and Kasur, with around 60 institutions joining the network.
PIQ is targeting more than 40 percent female participation and plans to donate 100 robotics kits to underserved institutions. Hussain N. Hanbazazah, Aramco Vice President of Communications Operations & Corporate Citizenship, said that Aramco views STEM education as an investment in future leaders. He noted that through their Global STEM Education Program, the collaboration with PSSEC and the World Robot Olympiad brings 10,000 robotics opportunities to students across Pakistan, turning curiosity into capability.
Regional winners will advance to the PIQ National Showcase to present solutions to school leaders, government representatives, STEM partners, and international stakeholders. The strongest participants will be granted pathways to future WRO Pakistan competitions.
