Ten talented students from our country have departed for Astana, Kazakhstan. From February 10 to 13, 2026, they will compete in the regional stage of the FTC (FIRST Tech Challenge) championship as part of two dedicated teams.

FIRST Tech Challenge is the world’s premier robotics competition, organized by the U.S.-based "First Global" organization. Every year, it brings together more than 70,000 students from over 100 countries. Participants tackle complex engineering tasks using autonomous robots they have designed and built themselves.

The upcoming regional stage in the capital of Kazakhstan will feature 60 of the strongest teams, selected from over 400 contenders across the region. The primary goal for our young roboticists is to secure a spot in the top three, which would grant them the right to compete in the World Finals in Houston, Texas, USA.

Turkmenistan’s Representative Teams:

Team "Oguzrobot":

• Aynagozel Keymirowa (Student at specialized secondary school No. 97, Ashgabat, with advanced study of foreign languages);

• Oraznyyaz Rejepow (Student at specialized secondary school No. 97, Ashgabat);

• Nepesaly Tachmyradow (Student at specialized secondary school No. 97, Ashgabat);

• Nuraly Kerimow (Student at specialized secondary school No. 97, Ashgabat);

• Nazar Jumamyradow (Student at specialized secondary school No. 86, Ashgabat, with advanced study of English, Chemistry, and Biology).

Team "Erjeller":

• Durdane Kurbanowa (Student at specialized secondary school No. 97, Ashgabat);

• Arslan Babajyyew (Student at specialized secondary school No. 97, Ashgabat);

• Orazmuhammet Merdanow (Student at specialized secondary school No. 86, Ashgabat);

• Meylis Bayryýew (Student at specialized secondary school No. 86, Ashgabat);

• Pirnazar Atayew (Student at specialized secondary school No. 97, Ashgabat).

Our young engineers underwent rigorous training for this international competition at the "Kämil Bilim" education center in the capital.

It is worth noting that last year, Turkmen students debuted in this international competition in Astana and were honored with the "International Success" award. The participation of two teams this year is a clear testament to the growing interest of the country's youth in technology and innovation.