1 School’s Victory Puts Mauritius on the Global STEM Racing Map

Mauritian students are revving up to compete on the world stage after winning the inaugural STEM Racing national finals. The CSE Velocity team from Collège du Saint-Esprit secured victory and will represent Mauritius at the international finals in Singapore from 26 September to 2 October.

The team’s win came after a rigorous competition on 9 August at Polytechnics Mauritius in Montagne Blanche.

Ten teams from 17 schools were judged on multiple criteria, including car design and performance, technical conformity, branding, and a portfolio and team presentation.

The STEM Racing programme, formerly known as F1 in Schools, is an international educational initiative backed by Formula 1.

It challenges students aged 9 to 19 to design, analyse, and race miniature compressed-air-powered cars. Since its inception in 1999, it has engaged millions of students across more than 40 countries.

Mauritius officially launched its national programme in March 2025 at a ceremony at the Rajiv Gandhi Science Centre.

The event was co-organised by ReUSE Revamp (the national coordinator), the US Embassy, the science centre, and Motors Formula Team. Speakers at the launch included Frédérique Trouvé-Roger from F1 in Schools France and Ludovic Peze, the programme’s founder.

In June, a ceremony at the Economic Development Board in Ebène showcased the 17 participating schools and over 50 students.

Dignitaries including ICT Minister Avinash Ramtohul and Australian High Commissioner Kate Chamely spoke at the event, highlighting the importance of such initiatives in developing technical skills, teamwork, and inclusivity, with a specific focus on encouraging girls to pursue STEM careers.

The programme’s success is attributed to a key team of professionals, including François Mark, the national coordinator, Ludovic Peze, the international partner, and Geraldine Secondis, head of PR and communications.

Looking ahead, the programme’s organisers aim to establish STEM Racing as a regular school activity, create regional competitions, and position Mauritius as a central STEM hub in Africa to stimulate educational tourism.

The initiative receives widespread support from various government ministries, including ICT, Education, Tourism, and Sport, as well as embassies, educational institutions, and local companies.

The public can follow the national team’s journey to the world finals on the stemracing.mu website and on social media at @STEMRACINGMAURITIUS.

Source: l’Express