In the context of rapid technological development, young people are increasingly becoming agents of innovation, shaping new approaches to manufacturing, digitalization, and engineering thinking. While robotics was perceived as a niche field just a few years ago, today it is becoming part of the educational and industrial agenda, directly impacting the country's competitiveness.

In this context, the Robofest "Young Engineer 2026" competition, held in Ashgabat on April 25, 2026, was not simply an educational event, but a reflection of a broader trend: the development of a new generation of engineers capable of systemic, technological, and strategic thinking. Notably, media coverage for the event was provided by the ORIENT agency, which served as the competition's sole media partner.

Recognizing that today's youth are becoming the foundation of tomorrow's knowledge economy, ORIENT places special emphasis on projects that foster applied skills, engineering thinking, and a culture of innovation. Robofest's support for "Young Engineer 2026" is a logical extension of this editorial policy, which is focused on promoting education, science, and technological progress as strategic factors for sustainable development.

The event was held at the premises of Odzhar Asia, a company that has been actively promoting itself in recent years not only as a participant in economic processes but also as an investor in human capital. Business support for such initiatives demonstrates the understanding that long-term development is impossible without investment in education and youth.

The competition brought together participants from all regions of Turkmenistan, bringing together over 200 participants and over 300 guests and residents of the capital. The geography and scale of the event clearly demonstrate the growing interest in technical disciplines and engineering professions.

Alongside the competition program, a fair of Ashgabat educational centers and entertainment activities were held at the venue, expanding the event's audience and making it more open and inclusive.

Results as a Reflection of Potential

Projects demonstrating a high level of creativity and engineering excellence were presented in the "Smart Manufacturing and Service Design" category. Participants included representatives from the American Center in Ashgabat, specialized schools in the city, and a leading technology university.

The competition results clearly demonstrated the high level of preparation of the participants and the growing interest of young people in engineering and IT fields.

In the "Robotics" category, students from Specialized Secondary School No. 97 in Ashgabat took a clear lead, demonstrating their high level of training in the design and programming of robotic systems. Aznaur Cholukov won first place, Oraznyyaz Rejepov took second place, and Arslan Babadzhiev took third place.

The competition results clearly demonstrated the high level of preparation of the participants and the growing interest of young people in engineering and IT fields.

The competition in the "BattleBots" discipline was no less intense and spectacular. Yusup Geldiyev (Specialized Secondary School No. 135 of Ashgabat) took first place, demonstrating effective engineering solutions and tactical thinking.

Selim Begmuradov (Specialized Secondary School No. 7 of Ashgabat, Kamil Bilim Training Center) took second place, and Abdullo Tachmyradov, representing the Oguz Khan University of Engineering and Technology of Turkmenistan, took third place.

In the "Young Programmers" category, participants demonstrated a high level of algorithmic thinking and practical coding skills. Ata Goshayev (Specialized Secondary School No. 22 of the Balkan Velayat, Kamil Bilim Training Center) took first place.

Second place was shared by Berdymurad Abdyev, Malik Akhmedov, and Ruslan Fitkulin (Specialized Secondary School No. 19 with Advanced Foreign Language Studies in Gyzylarbat Etrap). Third place was taken by Sanjar Ilkhamov, Dovlet Kamilzhanov, and Aly Batyrov (Specialized Secondary School No. 41 in Lebap Velayat, Kamil Bilim Training Center).

The "Smart Production and Service Technologies" category attracted particular attention, where participants presented project solutions focused on practical application in the real sector.

The winners were Aylar Amanova (Specialized Secondary School No. 68 named after Annanyaz Artyk in Ashgabat) and Nepes Jorakulyev (Specialized Secondary School No. 46 named after Khydyr Deryayev in Ashgabat, American Center).

Second place was shared by the teams of Adylshi Mammettuvakov and Akhmet Ovulyagulyev (Berdimuhamed Annayev Specialized Military School), and Resul Geldiyev and Salykh Altyyev (Ashgabat Specialized Secondary School No. 97).

Third place went to Ogulmerjen Niyazkhanova and Nurana Berdymuradova (Ashgabat Specialized Secondary School No. 97).

The winners and participants were awarded diplomas and souvenirs, a fitting conclusion to the action-packed competition day.

From Event to System

Looking at the Robofest "Young Engineer 2026" from a broader perspective, it becomes clear that such initiatives foster not only skills but also a new culture of thinking. This represents a shift from technology consumption to technology creation. It is precisely these events that lay the foundation for future specialists who will work at the intersection of engineering, digital solutions, and industry.

In this sense, the synergy between businesses, government agencies, and educational organizations is of strategic importance. It allows us to not just hold competitions but to build a long-term development ecosystem. While today's participant is a schoolchild with their first robot, tomorrow they will be an engineer capable of influencing the development of industries and the country's economy as a whole.

ORIENT