Kochi: Benson George, a robotics expert and founder of Dubai-based Unique World Robotics, has been selected to the prestigious judging panel of the FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) Michiana Premier Event 2026 in Indiana, USA.
The achievement marks a significant milestone for India, with Benson George becoming the first Indian citizen and the only Malayali to serve on the high-level international judging panel.
The FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) is organised by FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology), one of the world’s largest organisations dedicated to promoting STEM education – Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.
The competition, designed for students aged between 12 and 18 years, encourages innovation, hands-on learning, and problem-solving in science, engineering, and emerging technologies.
The selection of Benson George represents a major international recognition, as he joins an elite panel comprising global technology experts.
His appointment underscores India’s growing influence in the global robotics and STEM ecosystem.
Speaking about the honour, Benson George said, “Platforms like FTC provide students across the world with opportunities to gain hands-on exposure to cutting-edge technologies and develop projects that create meaningful social impact. Such initiatives strengthen the global STEM ecosystem. Being selected to this international judging panel and representing India and Kerala at the global level is a great honour and a valuable opportunity.”
The FTC Michiana Premier Event 2026 was held in South Bend, Indiana, from June 18 to June 21 and featured participation from 106 teams representing several countries.
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Recognised as one of the most significant events in the FTC calendar, the competition offers exceptional opportunities for students. Outstanding performers can secure admissions to globally renowned institutions such as MIT Boston, the University of Pennsylvania, Carnegie Mellon University, and Stanford University, along with scholarship opportunities worth more than USD 80 million.
FIRST conducts three major international competitions worldwide — the FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC), the FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC), and the FIRST Global Challenge.
As part of the evaluation process, teams are assessed on multiple parameters, including robot construction, design, coding, innovation, engineering processes, documentation, teamwork, and community impact.
The competition also features six major award categories: Development, Innovation, Connect, Outreach/Impact, Sustainability, and Match Performance, recognising excellence across various aspects of science and technology.
Through initiatives such as FTC, FIRST continues to promote emerging technologies including robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), space technology, the Internet of Things (IoT), AR/VR, pure sciences, and mathematics.
The organisation receives substantial support from leading institutions and corporations, including NASA, the United States Department of Defense, and more than 100 Fortune 500 companies such as Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Tesla, and OpenAI.
The appointment of Benson George to the FTC Michiana Premier Event 2026 judging panel highlights India’s expanding presence in international STEM leadership and reinforces the country’s growing contribution to the global robotics ecosystem.
