05 Feb Panama City to Host 190+ National Teams at the 2025 FIRST Global Challenge: Robotics’ Premier Global Competition
WASHINGTON, DC February 5th, 2025 – FIRST Global, the nonprofit dedicated to advancing science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education through organizing the world’s most international robotics event, is proud to announce the 2025 FIRST Global Challenge will take place in Panama City, Panama, from 29 October to 1 November. This “Olympics-style” robotics event will bring together high school-aged students from over 190 nations to engage in a robotics and innovation challenge centered on the theme Eco Equilibrium.
“Panama’s forward-thinking spirit and position as a true crossroad of continents—uniting East and West, North and South—makes it the perfect home for the 2025 FIRST Global Challenge,” said Dean Kamen, founder of FIRST Global. “Through this event, students from over 190 countries will prove that cooperation and the shared language of STEM can bridge divides between cultures and build a better world.”
The Eco Equilibrium Robotics Challenge inspires FIRST Global teams to use their creativity and critical-thinking skills to design and build a robot from a standard kit of parts. Students will learn the science of biodiversity as they maneuver their robot in a simulated world that emphasizes the importance of maximizing biodiversity in ecosystems to promote a healthy planet. Additionally, teams will participate in the Eco Equilibrium New Technology Experience, a project-based initiative where students will implement innovative solutions using emerging technologies to explore, understand, and preserve biodiversity in their nation.
Team Peru unboxes their robotics kit ahead of the 2024 FIRST Global Challenge.
This announcement comes with enthusiastic support from partners in Panama, including the Panamanian government, local STEM institution like FUNDESTEAM, and private organizations committed to advancing education and innovation. Ana Irene Delgado, Panama’s Ambassador to the Organization of American States (OAS), who co-hosted the announcement event, said, “This is a proud moment for Panama. Hosting the 2025 Challenge reflects our commitment to advancing regional cooperation and addressing shared challenges through innovative and inclusive approaches. Panama is honored to serve as the platform for dialogue, action, and progress for the entire hemisphere.”
Gloria De León Zubieta, Panama’s Minister of Tourism, said, “Hosting the 2025 FIRST Global Challenge is a tremendous honor for Panama, as it allows us to showcase not only our natural beauty and cultural richness but also our role as a hub for innovation and global collaboration. This event will attract thousands of visitors, providing a significant boost to our tourism sector while positioning Panama as a world class destination for international events. We are proud to welcome young minds from over 190 nations, whose innovative spirit and solutions for a sustainable future will leave a lasting impact, reinforcing our dedication to both environmental sustainability and global cooperation.”
José Miguel Alemán Healy, the Ambassador of the Republic of Panama to the United States, added, “Throughout its history, Panama has been a place where ideas, people, and progress converge. Our commitment to innovation is reflected in our growing technological ecosystem, our dedication to education, and our drive to embrace the possibilities of the future.”
The 2025 FIRST Global Challenge is made possible through the generous support of FIRST Global’s Title Sponsor, Lam Research, and other global partners who share the vision of empowering youth to become leaders in STEM fields.
“We are proud to partner with FIRST Global to inspire the next generation of innovators from around the world,” said Steve Fine, chief communications officer and head of social impact programs at Lam Research. “The 2025 Challenge in Panama enables bright young minds to work together to solve real-world problems and sparks a lifelong passion for learning.”
FIRST Global believes that by making science and technology as exciting as any other sport, the world’s two billion youth can be inspired to pursue STEM fields and work together to solve the planet’s most significant problems. By uniting in Panama City under the shared mission of Eco Equilibrium, FIRST Global and its partners in government, industry, and education aim to build a global community of innovators dedicated to a sustainable and prosperous future for all.
For more information about the 2025 FIRST Global Challenge and how to get involved, please visit first.global.
Contact:
press@first.global
