Ashraf AboArafe
FOR the first time in Egypt, a prestigious Russian technical competition is launching, with winners earning a dream trip to Moscow. The Russian House in Cairo is hosting the inaugural edition of the international “Agro NTRI – 2026” (Agro NTRI) competition in the “Agricultural Robotics” category. School students from across the nation are invited to participate in this global initiative dedicated to fostering innovation in the agricultural sector and cultivating a new generation of innovators in technology and artificial intelligence.
This year’s competition, embracing its international character, is initiated by the Ministry of Agriculture of the Russian Federation. Egypt’s participation marks a significant first, offering students the unparalleled opportunity to engage in high-tech agricultural projects. These projects Bridge the gap between education and practical application, while championing vital concepts of food security and sustainable development.
The competitions kick off on August 10, 2026, at the Russian House in Cairo (127 Tahrir Street – Dokki – Giza). A second round will be hosted in Alexandria on August 11, 2026, at the Russian House (5 Al-Battalsa Street – Bab Sharqi). All competitions commence at precisely 12:00 PM.
Targeting school students aged 10 to 17, the competition welcomes parents and guardians to attend. Participants are required to present identification during registration.
Under the expert guidance of academics and experts from Stavropol State Agricultural University, participants will face practical challenges using specialized agricultural robots that simulate modern farming processes. These challenges encompass seed planting, crop harvesting, product transportation, livestock care, and soil preparation. Additionally, contestants must navigate a field course featuring a series of tasks and obstacles.
Winners of the qualifiers will earn the distinct honor of representing Egypt in the international finals. These finals will take place from October 7 to 11, 2026, in the Russian capital, Moscow, on the sidelines of the esteemed “Golden Autumn” agricultural exhibition, which convenes the top qualifying teams. All participants will receive commemorative gifts from Stavropol State Agricultural University.
This international edition of the competition sees participation from students across 12 countries, including Egypt, competing in three main categories: Agro-Space, Agro-UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles), and Agro-Robotics.
The “Labinsky” Agricultural Complex in the Krasnodar region serves as the general partner for the competition. Implementation of the project is overseen by the Fund for Assistance to Innovations, the Association of Educational Institutions of the Agro-Industrial Sector and Fisheries, and the “Center Program System” group of companies, with support from the Ministries of Agriculture and Education of the Russian Federation.
Egypt’s hosting of this prestigious international competition underscores the growing cooperation between Egypt and Russia in education, science, and innovation. Furthermore, it represents a vital opportunity to discover young talent and encourage creativity in agricultural technology and robotics. This initiative contributes to preparing a skilled workforce capable of keeping pace with future demands and participating in forging innovative solutions to global agricultural and food challenges.
