Aramco-Powered STEM Initiative Opens New Pathways for Girls and Students with Disabilities

Pakistan Innovation Quest Driving Inclusive Robotics and STEM Education

KARACHI, November 4, 2026: Implemented by the Pi Space Science Education Centre (PSSEC) in partnership with the World Robot Olympiad (WRO) Association and powered by Aramco, the Pakistan Innovation Quest (PIQ) is transforming access to robotics and STEM education across Pakistan. The national initiative is focused on removing barriers that have historically limited access to robotics learning due to cost, geography, gender, or disability.

PIQ Aims to Reach 10,000 Learners and 300 Teachers Nationwide

The initiative seeks to engage 10,000 learners and 300 teachers through more than 60 RoboStarter Sprints, six regional competitions, and a National Showcase. PIQ offers a structured pathway that enables students to progress from introductory robotics learning to creating innovative solutions for real-world challenges, ultimately preparing them for participation in the World Robot Olympiad Pakistan platform.

Also read: Easypaisa Posts 2.35-Fold Growth in Pre-Tax Profit as Revenue Rises 38.53%

Aramco Partnership Expands Access to Quality STEM Learning

Aramco’s support has enabled PIQ to provide free robotics training across public and private schools, low-income communities, NGO-supported institutions, and girls’ schools throughout Pakistan. The initiative is designed to ensure that young learners from diverse backgrounds have access to modern technological education and opportunities for innovation.

Robotics Inclusion Extended to Students with Disabilities

A key feature of the program is its commitment to inclusive education. At Deaf Reach School, deaf students participated in hands-on robotics training with support from sign-language interpreters and specially trained instructors. For many participants, it was their first opportunity to engage directly with robotics kits as builders, innovators, and problem-solvers.

“Talent is universal. Access is not—and that is the divide Pakistan Innovation Quest was created to close,” said Zartaj Ahmed, CEO and Co-Founder of PSSEC and National Organizer of WRO Pakistan. “With Aramco enabling this initiative, we are reaching the child who has never held a robotics kit, the girl who has never imagined herself as an engineer, and the deaf learner who deserves to innovate without barriers.”

Thousands Already Benefiting from the STEM Movement

PIQ’s RoboStarter Sprints combine practical robotics training with the WRO Future Innovators project cycle. Students work toward WRO certification while teachers receive professional development to sustain robotics education within their institutions.

The initiative has already trained more than 6,000 learners and 518 teachers, reaching cities including Karachi, Lahore, Hyderabad, Gujranwala, and Kasur. Around 60 institutions have joined the network, while PIQ is targeting more than 40% female participation and plans to donate 100 robotics kits to underserved institutions to ensure continued learning and innovation.

National Showcase to Connect Young Innovators with Future Opportunities

Hussain N. Hanbazazah, Aramco Vice President of Communications Operations & Corporate Citizenship, said: “At Aramco, we see STEM education as an investment in the innovators, problem-solvers, and leaders of tomorrow. Through our Global STEM Education Program, we aim to expand access to meaningful learning opportunities and reach young people globally. Our collaboration with PSSEC and the World Robot Olympiad brings 10,000 robotics opportunities to students across Pakistan. By investing in both students and teachers, we are turning curiosity into capability and creating a lasting impact that extends beyond student participation.”

Also read: 45 NUST Researchers Ranked Among World’s Top 2% Scientists in 2026

Regional winners will advance to the PIQ National Showcase, where students and teachers will present their projects to school leaders, government representatives, STEM partners, and international stakeholders. The strongest participants will secure opportunities to compete in future WRO Pakistan competitions, helping shape the next generation of innovators and technology creators in Pakistan.

You might also like

• Pakistan Innovation Quest Expands Robotics Education for Underserved Communities Across Pakistan
• 45 NUST Researchers Ranked Among World’s Top 2% Scientists in 2026
• At LUMS-ABF Dialogue, Aurangzeb Says Private Sector Must Lead as Twin Deficits Fall to 2.6% of GDP
• OxfordAQA and Karachi Grammar School Bring Educators and Counsellors Together to Strengthen Student Wellbeing
• HEC, National CERT Sign MoU to Strengthen Cybersecurity Across Higher Education Sector