Thousands of students, mentors and spectators from more than 30 countries\u00a0have gathered at Brock and the neighbouring Canada Games Park for the international championship, hosted by the University in partnership with FIRST<\/em> Robotics Canada from June 14 to 20.<\/p>\n Years before the competition came to Niagara, Vahainambi discovered robotics as a Grade 9 student through his high\u00a0school\u2019s\u00a0robotics team. Today, he credits the experience with helping shape his academic and career path.<\/p>\n The first few days of the event featured the FIRST<\/em>\u00a0Tech Challenge, which saw participants aged 12 to 18 using their robots to compete in head-to-head challenges. From June 17 to 20, the\u00a0FIRST<\/em>\u00a0LEGO League\u00a0Challenge\u00a0will see participants aged nine to 14 design, build,\u00a0test\u00a0and program robots using LEGO Education robotics technology.<\/p>\n Beyond the matches themselves, the week includes opportunities to learn more about Brock through educational exhibits and tours as well as team socials and excursions to Niagara Falls and the region.<\/p>\n Third-year Brock University Computer Science student Varun Vahainambi (left) volunteered his time at the FIRST Tech Challenge Provincial Championship held at Brock in February and returned to lend a hand at the ongoing Canada Cup of Robotics. He is pictured with Marie Becotte, Volunteer Co-ordinator and Event Organizer for FIRST Robotics Canada, at the provincial event earlier this year.<\/p><\/div>\n Vahainambi hopes the latest group of robotics enthusiasts will find their passion, just as he did.<\/p>\n \u201cI got inspired by how robotics is revitalized around the world \u2014 not just in science, but in competition and STEM,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n Vahainambi contributed to his high school robotics team behind the scenes, helping with programming, manufacturing,\u00a0construction\u00a0and planning robot controls. The experience aligned with his interest in technology and introduced him to new ways of thinking about science and problem solving.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat drew me to\u00a0robotics was\u00a0seeing the work being done in programming, design and manufacturing,\u201d he said. \u201cIt gave me a new perspective on what the science field is all about.\u201d<\/p>\n Those experiences\u00a0ultimately led\u00a0him to pursue a Bachelor of Computer Science at Brock.<\/p>\n Today, he is completing his second co-op placement as a UI\/UX designer with\u00a0a technology\u00a0startup,\u00a0building skills first developed through robotics.<\/p>\n In addition to volunteering at the Canada Cup of Robotics this week, Vahainambi has lent a hand at other FIRST\u00a0<\/em>Robotics Canada events, including the\u00a0provincial championship held at Brock<\/a> earlier this year.<\/p>\n Beyond the technical skills, robotics taught Vahainambi collaboration, communication,\u00a0adaptability\u00a0and confidence.<\/p>\n \u201cGetting involved helped me to meet new people, learn new skills and broaden my network,\u201d he said. \u201cI\u00a0learned\u00a0how to\u00a0collaborate effectively\u00a0and apply what I\u2019ve learned in new settings.\u201d<\/p>\n As the competition continues, organizers say the championship will\u00a0showcase\u00a0the power of hands-on STEM learning and international collaboration.<\/p>\n \u201cThe privilege of hosting the Canada Cup of Robotics is an extraordinary opportunity to inspire the next generations of scientists, engineers and creative thinkers,\u201d said Peter Berg, Dean of Brock\u2019s Faculty of Mathematics and Science.<\/p>\n![\"Two](\"https:\/\/brocku.ca\/brock-news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Varun-1050x690.jpg\")
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