In an interconnected and rapidly evolving world, the role of education extends far beyond academic achievement. It must cultivate thinkers, innovators, and, most importantly, problem-solvers equipped to tackle global challenges. At City Montessori School (CMS), we have long championed this vision through experiential learning, and nowhere is this more evident than in our flagship event—QUANTA.
From 8th to 11th October 2025, CMS Chowk Campus will welcome student teams from around the world to participate in an inspiring four-day festival of science, mathematics, AI, and robotics. Competitions such as the Science Quiz, the Mathematics and Mental Ability Quiz, student hackathons in India, the Aqua Challenge Race, and the Obstacle Robot Race will create an environment where knowledge comes alive through real-world problem-solving.
Over its 26-year history, we have welcomed teams from Finland, South Africa, France, Malaysia, Indonesia, Jordan, Lebanon, Russia, Germany, Hungary, USA, Canada, Mexico, Sri Lanka, Nepal, the Sultanate of Oman, Singapore, and numerous other nations. As we approach the 26th edition of QUANTA 2025, it is timely to reflect on how this biennial international competition platform shapes young minds into globally conscious, skilled, and empathetic leaders.
The CMS Legacy: Education with Purpose
CMS was founded on the belief that education should be transformative and purpose-driven and has prioritised hands-on STEM learning as a foundation for future-ready education. Our Founder-Manager, Dr Jagdish Gandhi, often emphasised, “Knowledge is as wings to man’s life and a ladder for his ascent… The knowledge of such sciences, however, should be acquired as can profit the peoples of the earth.” This philosophy lies at the heart of our approach—education must be relevant, applied, and directed toward the betterment of society—education must not only inform, it must transform.
For close to three decades, QUANTA has been a cornerstone of this mission. What began as a national science contest has grown into a premier international event, bringing together students from across the world to collaborate, compete, and innovate. This year QUANTA 2025 will once again provide a stage for young talent to showcase their prowess in science, mathematics, artificial intelligence, and robotics.
Nurturing Passion through Hands-On Learning
Competitions at Quanta encourage participants to design, test, and innovate in real time—such as the Hackathon, Aqua Challenge, Obstacle Robot Race, and quizzes—are carefully designed to simulate real-world problems. Whether through robotics competitions for school students, mathematics contests, or hackathons, the format moves beyond rote memorisation. For instance, the Hackathon task—designing a Mars Rover to detect water—requires not only technical skill but also creativity, logical reasoning, and adaptability. Students are challenged to think critically, work in teams, and apply theoretical concepts to practical situations faced by professionals in fields like space exploration, environmental conservation, and sustainable engineering.
Such hands-on STEM learning is a powerful catalyst for critical thinking. When students build autonomous robots or design watercraft, they learn to iterate, fail, persevere, and ultimately succeed. This process is fundamental to fostering problem-solving skills in students. A recent report (Indian Express, 2025) noted that 80% of employers now prioritise problem-solving skills over traditional academic performance in hiring graduates. This finding validates our commitment to experiential, challenge-based education.
Global Citizenship and Collaborative Innovation
QUANTA is more than a competition; it is a melting pot of cultures, ideas, and perspectives. By collaborating with peers from around the world, students develop a sense of global citizenship. They learn that innovation thrives in diverse teams and that solutions to global issues—be it climate change, resource scarcity, or technological access—require collective effort.
This ethos is embodied by the success story of CMS Alumnus, National Hero Gaganyatri Shubhanshu Shukla (Shux), who in June 2025 became the first Indian astronaut to board the International Space Station. His journey from building robots at QUANTA to navigating zero gravity is a testament to the transformative power of education for global citizenship and early exposure to practical STEM challenges.
Shux’s story embodies the qualities that Quanta seeks to nurture: resilience, curiosity, and a passion for applying STEM knowledge to real-world challenges. His success is not just personal; it symbolises what is possible when schools provide platforms like Quanta that ignite passion and sustain ambition with a world-embracing vision of nurturing not just scientists but visionaries committed to bettering the world.
Aligning with Sustainability Development Goals
QUANTA’s framework aligns closely with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Through quality education (SDG 4), we empower students with knowledge and skills. Through innovation and infrastructure (SDG 9), we encourage the development of sustainable technologies. And through climate action (SDG 13), we inspire solutions for a greener planet.
The Aqua Challenge, for example, tasks students with designing efficient watercraft. This isn’t just about speed; it’s about understanding fluid dynamics, energy efficiency, and material sustainability—a direct engagement with eco-innovation. Similarly, the environmental theme in the Mathematics & Mental Ability Quiz reinforces the urgency of climate action.
Robotics competitions for school students and student hackathons in India are often seen as extracurricular activities. At QUANTA, they are integral to learning. These platforms encourage students to think critically about sustainability. How can a robot navigate obstacles with minimal energy? How can an AI model optimise resource use? These are the questions participants grapple with—and in doing so, they become innovators for sustainable progress.
One of QUANTA’s unique strengths is its ability to bring together young minds from across the globe. This international collaboration is crucial in developing innovators in Indian schools. When a student from Lucknow works with a peer from Finland or Singapore, they gain more than a friend; they gain a new perspective. This aligns with the CMS motto of ‘Jai Jagat’—Victory to the World—and the ancient ideal of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam: the world is one family.
Preparing Future-Ready Leaders
The ultimate goal of future-ready education India is to produce leaders who are not only technically proficient but also empathetic and inclusive. At CMS, we work towards creating “lights of the world”—individuals who lead with compassion and innovation. QUANTA serves as a training ground for such leaders. Whether students pursue careers in robotics, AI, environmental science, or diplomacy, the skills they hone here—critical thinking, collaboration, resilience—will serve them for life.
A recent Bureau of Labour Statistics report (BLS, 2024) states that careers in STEM are slated to surge exponentially to 10.4% from 2023 to 2033, compared to 3.6% in non-STEM jobs. Additionally, according to a recent study, for an overwhelming 92.6% of people surveyed, direct, hands-on experience in a lab was the critical factor that inspired them to build careers in STEM. This statistic underscores the importance of platforms like QUANTA in shaping tomorrow’s pioneers.
Conclusion
As we look forward to QUANTA 2025, we are reminded that the challenges of the future will require more than intelligence—they will require creativity, empathy, innovation, and problem-solving skills. By uniting students through science, mathematics, AI, and robotics, Quanta strengthens our shared pursuit of knowledge that benefits humanity. It is a celebration of young minds daring to dream and determined to act.
The benefits of science competitions extend far beyond individual achievement, creating ripple effects that contribute to global progress and understanding. By fostering problem-solving skills in students through hands-on STEM learning and by nurturing a spirit of global citizenship, QUANTA continues to be a catalyst for transformative education.
We invite students, educators, and innovators from around the world to join us in this endeavour. Together, we can empower the next generation to build a sustainable, prosperous, and inclusive world.