Latest news with #SchoolofExcellence
Hans India
6 days ago
- Business
- Hans India
GUJCOST opens registrations for ROBOFEST Gujarat 5.0
Gandhinagar: The Gujarat Council on Science and Technology (GUJCOST), under the state's Department of Science and Technology has announced the launch of registrations for ROBOFEST Gujarat 5.0 -- a national-level robotics competition focused on empowering young minds in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), government officials said. Now in its fifth edition, the event invites students from schools and colleges across the country to compete in two categories -- Junior and Senior. Participants will be tasked with taking their ideas through the full innovation journey: from concept and design to prototyping and final presentation. The aim is to provide hands-on exposure to real-world applications of robotics, coding, and engineering. With an impressive Rs 5 crore prize pool, ROBOFEST 5.0 also offers mentorship by industry experts and a unique opportunity for students to file provisional patents for their innovations --fostering an early understanding of intellectual property and entrepreneurship. Registrations are now live at and will remain open until August 25, 2025. Gujarat is making focused investments in artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics to build a future-ready digital ecosystem. The state government, through the Department of Science and Technology, has introduced AI and emerging tech modules in more than 2,000 government schools, and plans are underway to expand this to all secondary-level institutions under the School of Excellence project. In higher education, Gujarat has established more than 50 dedicated AI and robotics labs in government engineering and polytechnic colleges, enabling hands-on learning through tools like Python, TensorFlow, Raspberry Pi, and Arduino. The state has also launched AI-based skill development programmes in partnership with organisations like NASSCOM and Intel, offering certifications and job-linked training to students and educators. Under the Gujarat Industrial Policy 2020, AI and robotics startups receive capital subsidies up to Rs 50 lakh, access to co-working spaces, and seek support from government-funded incubation centres. In addition, Centers of Excellence for AI and Industry 4.0 are being set up at institutions such as IIT-Gandhinagar and Pandit Deendayal Energy University, with a focus on applied research, smart manufacturing, and data analytics. Gujarat is also collaborating with international tech firms to build AI-powered smart city frameworks in Ahmedabad, Surat, and Vadodara, using real-time data for traffic, waste, and energy management. These initiatives are part of the state's broader vision to integrate AI across governance, education, and industry, in alignment with India's Digital India and AI for all strategies.
The South African
27-05-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Zwane says Orlando Pirates star is the best in SA
Orlando Pirates superstar Relebohile Mofokeng will be flashing that big smile of his after reading this post. As far as the balance of votes, Mamelodi Sundowns superstar Lucas Ribeiro still has a slight edge over Mofokeng. According to AmaZulu coach Arthur Zwane, Mofokeng has been very special for carrying a big club like Orlando Pirates at the age of 20. The Sharpville-born player, who joined the Sea Robbers at the age of 17 from the School of Excellence, grabbed 12 goals and laid 14 assists in 47 matches. 'I don't want to sound controversial, but I think you look at Rele – I think he carried Orlando Pirates,' Zwane said via iDiski Times . Relebohile Mofokeng in action for Orlando Pirates against Cape Town City FC at the DHL Stadium. Image: @safootclassics/X 'But Rele as a youngster doing what he's done this past season, carrying a giant on his shoulder, I think it was something else, it was amazing. 'We need players like him, so others see him performing at this level. And now he's definitely going to go to the World Cup – I don't want people to say I'm picking him; I'm not the national coach. But looking at how coach Broos does, and he integrated to the senior national team,' Zwane added on the Orlando Pirates attacker. 'For him it was a big jump because he never played for the U20, maybe the previous players, but because he's an exceptional talent. There is no doubt about he's gonna make AFCON and the World Cup. 'Also, credit must be given to their coaches – all those coaches from School of Excellence, Orlando Pirates, Jose [Riveiro], Duku Duku Makhanya, who spotted the talent and made life easy for the first team as well to get players promoted,' Zwane added. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
05-05-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Orlando Pirates coach set to play more rising stars before his exit
Orlando Pirates head coach Jose Riveiro is set to make waves in the final stretch of the season by promoting even more academy stars to the senior squad. With just six league games left and a Nedbank Cup final looming, the Spaniard is turning to the club's future to shape its present. Riveiro has made it clear, he believes in youth. During his time at the helm, he has handed senior debuts to Relebohile Mofokeng, Mohau Nkota, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Thabiso Sesane, and Siyabonga Ndlozi, showcasing his commitment to nurturing homegrown talent. The recent Soweto Derby added another name to Riveiro's youth revolution. Simphiwe Selepe, who earned a spot in the matchday squad. His inclusion marked yet another bold step in the coach's campaign to elevate the club's academy stars. A source has revealed that Camrin Dansin, a standout product from the School of Excellence, could be the next to break into the first team. Dansin has already begun training with the senior squad, and coaches are reportedly 'keeping a close eye on his progress.' 'We're watching his development very carefully,' said the source, hinting that the midfielder might make his debut sooner rather than later. As Riveiro prepares to bid farewell to Orlando Pirates at the end of the campaign. He is clearly determined to leave a lasting impact. One built on the success of youth promotion and trust in the next generation. Expect the final matches of the season to be more than just a title chase or cup push. They'll be the proving ground for the stars of tomorrow. Stay tuned with The South African as Orlando Pirates coach set to play more rising stars before his exit. Do you think Dansin will be given a chance to showcase his talent? Let us know by leaving a comment below or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
22-04-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Youth Coach: ‘Relebohile Mofokeng scored 39 goals in 34 matches'
Orlando Pirates attacker Relebohile Mofokeng is not showing us his maximum ability. Since his senior debut in May 2023, the 20-year-old Sharpville-born attacker has delivered just 16 goals in 81 matches for Orlando Pirates. According to his former youth coach at the School of Excellence, Masimanyane Xali, Mofokeng has far better ability in front of goal. 'The one thing I feel is still missing from Rele is goals,' Xali told iDiski Times . 'He is not scoring enough for Pirates. When he was at the School [of Excellence], the boy scored many goals. In his matric year, he scored 39 goals in about 34 matches. I'd like to see him scoring more at Pirates. The coach also reminisced about the early days he saw the Bafana Bafana international and how he and other coaches could see his potential. 'I first met him when he was 12 and still doing Grade 7,' added Xali. 'He would come to the School for training on Fridays and played matches on weekends and then go back home yet even in that short period, it was clear the boy was a bit special. As a player he had great technical ability and football intelligence. I remember one time, the late James Mabena telling me that 'this boy is going to drive the country crazy'. 'Rele was still very young then, but Coach James could see his potential. And he's doing exactly that right now.' Meanwhile, Mofokeng and the Sea Robbers face Pyramids FC in the CAF Champions League second-leg semifinals on Friday. Kick off will be at 20:00 from the 30 June Stadium in Cairo, Egypt. The first-leg tie ended 0-0 at the FNB Stadium last Saturday. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
