Robots play football, autonomous cars impress at Manarat STEM Fest

Robots playing football, self-driving vehicles and student-designed technology projects drew attention as Manarat Dhaka International School and College (MDISC) launched its two-day STEM Fest 2026–27 in the capital on Friday.

Organised under the Manarat Clubs for Co-Curricular Activities (MCCA), the festival has brought together more than 800 contestants from around 87–88 educational institutions to promote scientific thinking, creativity, innovation and practical problem-solving skills among students. The Daily Observer is the media partner of the event.

Prof Dr Mohammad Abdur Rob, vice-chancellor of Manarat International University and a member of the Manarat Trust, inaugurated the festival. Brig Gen Mahbub-ul Alam, principal of MDISC, attended the opening ceremony alongside teachers, students, guardians and organisers.

Student-built robots were among the main attractions. Mohammad Tahiyad Islam, an A-Level second-year student at MDISC, developed a robot called ‘Robo Soccer’, designed to play football against another robot.

“I enjoy building robots. It cost me around Tk 30,000–40,000 to develop this one. I plan to make it more advanced in the future,” Tahiyad said.

Mahdi Hasan, an A-Level first-year student, showcased a line-following robot that moves autonomously along a designated path, demonstrating how technology can be used to develop automated systems.

The festival features competitions in mathematics, general science, biology, chemistry, physics and computer science. Other activities include robotics, Minecraft-based challenges, project exhibitions and a treasure hunt.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Prof Abdur Rob said scientific and technological progress was essential for human development and national advancement. He encouraged students to pursue research, explore new ideas and apply their knowledge for the benefit of society.

He also stressed the importance of ethical and human values alongside scientific achievements, urging young people to contribute to research in environmental science, climate studies and meteorology to help address challenges such as global warming.

Brig Gen Mahbubul Alam expressed hope that Manarat would one day produce a Nobel Prize-winning scientist. He said students needed not only scientific knowledge but also discipline, ethical values and the ability to bring innovations to society.

“Research and innovation must go hand in hand with the skills needed to bring new discoveries to people,” he said.

Dr Md Maksudul Alam, convener of the festival and in-charge of the Manarat Science Club, said the activities were designed to nurture students’ talents, creativity, collaboration and enthusiasm for learning.

“We want students not only to succeed in competitions but also to learn from failure, explore new ideas and use their knowledge for human welfare,” he said.

The second day, Saturday, will feature a computer science olympiad, Minecraft-based activities, project exhibitions and a treasure hunt. The festival will conclude with a closing ceremony and prize distribution from 3pm to 4:30pm.

Among others present were Dr Md Mosharraf Hossain, principal of Manarat International School, Uttara; Md Anwarul Karim, vice-principal of Manarat Dhaka International College, Gulshan; Professor Tahmina Yasmin; boys’ section coordinator Mohsin Quraishi; and girls’ section convener Roksana Khanam.

- MaT