BERWYN, PA — BLAST Robotics capped its first competition year with a playoff appearance at the HAVOC 2026 off-season robotics competition on Oct. 31, earning the first selection by Alliance 7 and competing against established teams from across the Mid-Atlantic region.
The Berwyn-based team, FIRST Robotics Competition Team 10989, participated in the event at Hatboro-Horsham High School in Horsham, where students demonstrated their engineering skills, teamwork and growing competitive experience.
The playoff appearance marked another milestone for the community-based team, which operates under Keystone STEM Alliance Inc. Although a final tournament placement was not provided, the Alliance 7 selection reflected the team’s ability to compete alongside more experienced robotics programs.
A highlight of the competition was the performance of BLAST’s newer members, who assumed responsibilities for robot operations, pit activities and event management. Their contributions demonstrated the team’s emphasis on student leadership, peer mentorship and learning through practical experience.
“This was one of our most successful and rewarding competitions yet,” said team captain Vivaan K. Ponugoti. “We are especially proud of our newer members who really stepped up in the competition, both at the pit and on the field. How we did on the field is a reflection of how much they learnt and grew.”
Lead mentor Hari Ponugoti also recognized the contributions of student leaders Vivaan, Lemuel, Virat, Anabel and Mayon, who devoted significant effort to building a new robot for the off-season competition.
Their work helped the team compete against veteran programs while giving less experienced members opportunities to develop technical and leadership skills.
The HAVOC performance concluded a successful inaugural competition year for BLAST Robotics. Earlier in the season, the team earned the Rookie All-Star Award at the FIRST Mid-Atlantic Centennial District Event and the Rising All-Star Award at the Philadelphia District Event.
Those honors, combined with the team’s HAVOC playoff appearance, marked a year of progress for a program focused on introducing young people to competitive robotics and engineering.
“Our mission extends beyond building competitive robots. We want to create opportunities for young people to develop engineering skills, teamwork and confidence,” Hari Ponugoti said.
Through Keystone STEM Alliance, BLAST Robotics provides students with opportunities to develop technical abilities while practicing collaboration, problem-solving and leadership in a competitive environment.
Thank You
BLAST Robotics credited its students, parents, mentors and volunteers for the dedication and teamwork that made its HAVOC participation and inaugural season possible.
The team also expressed appreciation to community partner Eadeh Enterprises and supporters AEO Better World Foundation and Chester County Community Foundation for their contributions to youth development and STEM education.
Their support helps sustain opportunities for students to gain practical engineering experience and participate in competitive robotics.
With its 2026 season complete, BLAST Robotics will turn its attention to technical training, leadership development and preparations for the 2027 FIRST Robotics Competition season, building on the experience and accomplishments of its first year.
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