ASSIST Humanitarian Foundation Supports Royal Engineers – Robotics Champions in the USA

Education and technological performance are core priorities for the ASSIST Humanitarian Foundation. Driven by the belief that talented young people in Suceava County deserve tangible support on their path to excellence, we were honored to support an outstanding robotics team once again this year: the Royal Engineers, composed of passionate students from Ștefan cel Mare National College in Suceava.

Through hard work, perseverance, and innovation, these ambitious young minds have proven that they can compete at the highest level, nationally and internationally. 

From Pitești to Indiana: An International Ascent

Between March 14–16, 2025, the Royal Engineers proudly represented their school at the FIRST Tech Challenge Romania, held at Pitești Arena. In a thrilling atmosphere alongside 60 teams from across the country, they placed 3rd in the Control Award category, which recognizes excellence in autonomous robot control systems.

The event was co-hosted by renowned Romanian TV personality Dan Negru, who expressed his admiration for the young robotics enthusiasts and publicly applauded the Royal Engineers for making the nearly 20-hour round trip to attend the competition. 

Global Recognition in the United States

Thanks to their consistent performance, the Royal Engineers achieved a historic milestone: participation in the FIRST Tech Challenge Michiana Premier Event, held June 19–22, 2025, in South Bend, Indiana, USA. The event gathered 96 top teams from around the globe and followed an Olympic-style format, complete with international opening parades, intense matches, judging interviews, and academic and social activities.

The Royal Engineers reached the finals of the Clark Division and earned the prestigious “Innovate 1st Place Award”, celebrating the creativity and ingenuity of their technical solutions. This marked the team’s first international appearance, achieved through the tireless work and dedication of 15 high school students passionate about STEM.

“This is a huge step forward for us. It’s the kind of recognition that makes up for all the sleepless nights and long days spent in the lab, driven only by our love for engineering and innovation,” said team members. 

Who Are the Royal Engineers?

The team consists of:

Matei Tomniuc, Tudor Aparaschivei, Olivia Toma, Victor Miron, Sabin Maxim, Tudor Coșoreanu, Tudor Vizitiu, Casian Hăidoaie, Daria Clucencu, Ilinca Șerban, Cristiana Huțanu, Ștefan Doroftei, Iasmina Laslovici, Alexandru Pustiu, Karina Bogdănescu, and Sorin Marian, each with a clearly defined role in developing, programming, and presenting the robot.

Following their international competition results, the team ranked 38th in the “Best OPR” category, among tens of thousands of teams enrolled in the FIRST Tech Challenge program globally.

Ongoing Support for Education and Innovation in Suceava

This sponsorship is part of the ASSIST Humanitarian Foundation’s commitment to promoting STEM education (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) and encouraging excellence among youth.

Another powerful example is Adrian Hănțăscu, a student from Suceava supported by our foundation in 2023, and a member of Romania’s national robotics team, AutoVortex. With our support, Adrian participated in top-tier international competitions, earning 1st place at Utah FTC International and the Finalist Alliance Award and Control Award at the FTC World Championship in Houston, Texas.