Kerala robotics expert Benson Thomas George becomes first Indian FTC judge in US
Synopsis
A Kerala-based robotics expert just made history — Benson Thomas George became the first Indian citizen to judge the FIRST Tech Challenge Michiana Premier Event in South Bend, Indiana. With 106 student teams from across the world competing, his appointment signals that India's STEM talent is no longer just a participant on the global stage, but a shaper of it.
Key Takeaways
Benson Thomas George , a Kerala-based robotics expert, became the first Indian to judge the FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) Michiana Premier Event .
The event was held in South Bend, Indiana from 18 to 21 June , featuring 106 student teams from multiple countries.
Participants aged 12 to 18 competed in robotics, AI, engineering design, and software development.
The FIRST Tech Challenge is associated with scholarship opportunities exceeding $80 million , with top performers gaining entry to MIT , Stanford , and Carnegie Mellon .
George described the appointment as an honour and an opportunity to contribute to the global STEM community.
Kerala-based robotics expert Benson Thomas George has made history as the first Indian citizen to serve as a judge at the FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) Michiana Premier Event, one of the most prestigious student robotics competitions in the world. George joined the international judging panel at the event held in South Bend, Indiana, from 18 to 21 June, marking a landmark moment for India's standing in the global STEM ecosystem.
A Historic First for India
The FTC Michiana Premier Event is organised by FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology), a globally recognised non-profit dedicated to advancing science, technology, engineering, and mathematics among young people. George's induction onto the high-level judging panel is the first time an Indian has been appointed to evaluate student innovations at this flagship competition.
The event drew 106 student teams from multiple countries, with participants aged 12 to 18 presenting innovations spanning robotics, artificial intelligence, engineering design, and software development.
What Judges Evaluated
As a panel member, George assessed competing teams across a comprehensive set of criteria — including robot design and construction, programming quality, engineering process, innovation, documentation, teamwork, and community outreach. Awards were presented across categories such as Innovation, Development, Sustainability, Outreach, Connect, and Match Performance.
George on the Recognition
Reflecting on the appointment, George said the platform gives young innovators hands-on exposure to cutting-edge technologies while pushing them to develop solutions with tangible social impact. Representing India on an international judging panel of this stature, he noted, was both an honour and a meaningful contribution to the broader global STEM community.
Why the FTC Matters for Students
The FIRST Tech Challenge is widely regarded as one of the world's premier robotics competitions for school-going students. Top performers routinely attract admission offers and scholarships from leading universities including the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Stanford University, Carnegie Mellon University, and the University of Pennsylvania. Collectively, scholarship opportunities linked to the programme reportedly exceed $80 million.
George's appointment signals a broader shift — India's robotics and STEM talent is no longer just competing on the world stage, but increasingly shaping how that stage is run.
Point of View
However historic, should not be conflated with systemic influence. The deeper question is whether India's robotics ecosystem — still heavily dependent on urban, private-school access — can produce a pipeline of such experts at scale. The $80 million scholarship pool linked to FTC also underscores how much Indian students stand to gain if domestic STEM investment matches the ambition of individual achievers like George.
NationPress
26 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Benson Thomas George?
Benson Thomas George is a Kerala-based robotics expert who became the first Indian citizen to serve as a judge at the FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) Michiana Premier Event in South Bend, Indiana. He represented India on the international judging panel at the event held from 18 to 21 June.
What is the FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC)?
The FIRST Tech Challenge is one of the world's leading robotics competitions for school students aged 12 to 18, organised by FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology). Top performers can earn scholarships exceeding $80 million in total and gain admission to universities such as MIT, Stanford, and Carnegie Mellon.
What did judges evaluate at the FTC Michiana Premier Event?
Judges assessed student teams on robot design, construction, programming, engineering process, innovation, documentation, teamwork, and community outreach. Awards were given in categories including Innovation, Development, Sustainability, Outreach, Connect, and Match Performance.
How many teams competed at the FTC Michiana Premier Event?
A total of 106 student teams from multiple countries competed at the event, held in South Bend, Indiana, from 18 to 21 June. Participants ranged in age from 12 to 18 years.
Why is George's appointment significant for India?
George is the first Indian citizen to be inducted into the high-level judging panel of the FTC Michiana Premier Event, marking a milestone for India's presence in the global STEM and robotics community. His appointment reflects India's growing recognition not just as a participant but as an evaluator in premier international STEM competitions.
