FIRST Tech Challenge Student Creates His Own Tech Startup at 13

Meet Sumit, a FIRST^® Tech Challenge student from Team 12483 “Programming Club" whose journey shows how opportunity can transform potential into purpose. Only 13 years old and from Delhi, India, Sumit grew up in a village that previously had limited access to technology. Today, FIRST^® programs are thriving in the area, nurtured by Sumit’s mentor Dharamraj. His outreach went all the way to Sumit’s village, spreading the important principles of robotics. Sumit would later join the team, taking his first step into the world of tech and robotics.

During the 2023–2024 season, CENTERSTAGE^℠ presented by RTX, Sumit had the opportunity to participate in the FIRST Tech Challenge National Championship in Goa, India. This experience allowed him to see robotics as more than just a competition. He learned that STEM skills are developed through teamwork, strategy, innovation, commitment, and growth. This realization became a catalyst for his future.

Sumit (third from left) and fellow team members

After establishing himself as a member of Team “Programming Club,” Sumit was inspired to learn everything he could about robotics. He began to further explore and enhance his skills, teaching himself how to develop websites, create augmented reality and virtual reality games, and design. From there, he took the FIRST philosophy of being More Than Robots^® to heart. Sumit began applying what he learned beyond the competition field to solve real-world problems; his commitment impressed both fellow students and mentors alike.

One of Sumit’s most impressive accomplishments was founding his own startup, SumitTech, at age 13. He started with freelancing, building websites, and designing logos for local businesses that did not have the STEM skills needed to grow their digital presence. Today, he is developing products, leading robotics projects, and developing AR/VR games, while also sharing what he learns with others through his YouTube channel.

Now, Sumit sees FIRST as an opportunity to strengthen his character and confidence, alongside the growth he has experienced in his STEM skills. Through his efforts, he has earned a full scholarship to Satya School, where he hopes to further his education and experience even more exciting learning opportunities.

Sumit now works tirelessly to ensure that STEM is available to all students in his area. He strives to reach students in remote and rural communities. He has also met with local politicians to share the importance of robotics and STEM education. Through his journey, Sumit hopes to share his own inspiration with others; he is committed to helping every student gain access to STEM learning opportunities. Vishale Rane, the Program Manager for FIRST Tech Challenge in India, says this of Sumit: “We have first-handedly witnessed Sumit's transformative journey through FIRST Tech Challenge and his efforts in outreach are truly commendable.”

Are you a person of STEAM? Share your story with #PeopleofSTEAM on social media or send us your story at marketing@firstinspires.org.

Sumit with the current Chief Minister of Delhi, Rekha Gupta