Young Algerians Win Global Robotics Gold in South Korea
An Algerian team has achieved a gold medal for the Jackie Bezos International Enthusiasm Award during their participation in the FIRST Global Challenge 2026 robotics competition. The event, hosted in Incheon, South Korea, from October 7 to 10, featured over 190 participating countries. The Algerian delegation comprised five secondary school students, a coach, and a supervisor, who engaged in a scientific and technological experience alongside youth from around the world.
This accomplishment underscores the excellence of young Algerian talent in the fields of science, technology, and robotics, demonstrating their capacity to compete on international platforms. The success reflects values of distinction, cooperation, innovation, and openness to global experiences. Support for the team was provided by Samsung Electronics Algeria and the Altis Training Center, with Samsung Electronics Algeria's General Manager, Johnny Chung, emphasizing that the victory highlights the synergy between the private sector's efforts and the government's vision to empower youth in STEM and robotics. He also affirmed the company's ongoing commitment to broadening opportunities for young talent in artificial intelligence and robotics, contributing to Algeria's digital transformation and socio-economic development.
The Altis Training Center noted that this win is a testament to the five students' resolve and contributes to positioning Algeria among the top 20 nations globally in terms of awards secured at the FIRST Global Challenge. The competition's 2026 theme centered on designing robots capable of intervening in wildfire scenarios, blending engineering innovation with technology to manage risks and foster youth engagement in science and technology. This success further emphasizes the importance of investing in Algerian students' capabilities and offering opportunities for participation in international scientific competitions, thereby expanding their horizons for creativity and innovation and preparing a new generation of skilled individuals to keep pace with technological advancements. Following the competition, Samsung Electronics Algeria organized an educational visit for the team to the Korean National Fire Research Institute on October 12, allowing them to learn about advanced techniques in fire prevention and risk management.
