Addis Ababa: The Ethiopian robotics competition winner, which takes part at the World Robot Olympiad (WRO) in 2024 in Trkiye, was announced today. A total of 120 young Ethiopians under 37 projects demonstrated their creative works at the ECA here in Addis Ababa. From among these, Kotebe STEMpower Center emerged winner of the World Robot Olympiad (WRO) Young Ethiopians National Robotics Competition 2024. Initially, over 600 young Ethiopians took training in robotics creativity and design at STEMpower training centers in various universities, STEMpower Country Representative Simenew Keskes said. The country representative also said the robotics projects are designed to solve problems in various sectors, including health, agriculture, and environmental protection, among others. Innovation and Technology State Minister Shurun Alemayehu said on his part that the WRO Ethiopia National Robotics Competition is more than just a competition; it is a platform that inspires creativity, problem-solving, and technica l skills among the youth. "By engaging in robotics, young people develop a deep understanding of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), which are essential for driving economic growth and addressing the challenges of our time." According to him, the theme of this year's competition, "Earth Allies," is particularly timely "as we face the pressing challenges of climate change and environmental degradation and it is imperative that we harness the power of technology to create sustainable solutions." The robotic creations showcased at this competition have demonstrate the ingenuity and creativity of our young people in addressing these critical issues, the state minister noted. Expressed the ministry's commitment to creating an enabling environment for innovation and entrepreneurship in Ethiopia, Shurun pointed out that the country is investing in research and development, promoting digital literacy, and supporting the growth of technology startups. "We believe that innovation is the key t o unlocking our nation's full potential,' he underscored Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Africa, Claver Gatete said the solutions designed by the young Ethiopians are not simply for the competition, rather "they are foundations that we aspire to align with Agenda 2063 of the African Union." World Robot Olympiad (WRO) is more than education exercise; robotics is platform to develop rewarded solutions in the most challenges of our time, he added. 'You our young people are not only creating a robot but you are building the future one step at a time.' Source: Ethiopian News Agency