SLIIT’s Robofest Connects Local Creativity with Global STEM Demand

One of Sri Lanka’s most anticipated technology events, Robofest  2025, organised by the Faculty of Engineering of SLIIT, will take place soon at the SLIIT Malabe Campus. Celebrated as the nation’s premier platform for young innovators, Robofest has become a catalyst for advancing STEM education, fostering creativity, and driving problem-solving skills among students across the country.

Launched with the vision of inspiring schoolchildren and university students to pursue careers in science and technology, Robofest has grown into a truly island-wide competition. The event encourages participants to design and build robots, develop software, and create innovative solutions to real-world challenges, preparing them to meet the demands of a digital future.

This year’s competition features three main categories. The school category has attracted more than 300 teams from across the country, while the university category brings together over 250 teams representing both state and private institutions. The open category, which welcomes entries from both universities and industry, has seen 15 teams register, with the exciting addition of a brand-new robotics sub-competition.

Ahead of the finals, Robofest also conducts preliminary rounds. For the school category, participants submit video entries, which are evaluated and shortlisted to the top 20, while university competitors take part in a live problem-solving round that also produces a final shortlist of 20 teams. Together with the 15 open category teams, these top performers will face off in the grand finale on October 7.

Beyond the competition itself, Robofest is making a significant impact at the grassroots level. A series of outreach programs has been carried out across the island to introduce robotics and STEM concepts to schoolchildren from Grade 6 upwards. These programs, covering nearly 1,500 students, have included interactive workshops and hands-on sessions. Schools visited so far include Deniyaya Central, Walimada Central, Bandarawela Central, Badulla Central, St. Peter’s College, Lyceum International College, and St. Benedict’s College, among others.

Highlighting the importance of the initiative, Dr. Nushara Wedasingha from the Faculty of Engineering at SLIIT, the main coordinator of Robofest  2025, said: “Robofest is much more than a competition; it is a platform to inspire the next generation. By bringing STEM education directly into schools through our outreach programs, we ensure that young students discover the excitement of robotics, coding, and problem-solving at an early stage. This year’s record participation reflects the growing appetite for innovation among Sri Lankan youth.”

Emphasizing SLIIT’s role in nurturing talent, Professor Ayantha Gomes, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, noted: “Robofest stands as a flagship initiative of SLIIT, underscoring our commitment to empower the community with the skills needed for the future economy. The event not only cultivates technical excellence but also fosters collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking. We are proud to see Robofest  evolve into a benchmark for innovation in Sri Lanka’s academic and industry landscape.”

With its growing reach and ever-expanding scope, Robofest continues to play a central role in positioning Sri Lanka as a hub for technology and innovation. The 2025 edition promises to be the most exciting yet, bringing together brilliant young minds, universities, and industry partners in a celebration of knowledge, skill, and creativity.