BLAST Robotics Caps Inaugural Season with a Playoff Run at HAVOC 2026
October 31, 2026 | Robotics Competition | Horsham, Pennsylvania
BLAST Robotics, FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) Team 10989, concluded its inaugural competition year with an exciting playoff appearance at HAVOC 2026, an off-season robotics competition held on October 31, 2026, at Hatboro-Horsham High School in Horsham, Pennsylvania. Competing against established robotics programs from across the Mid-Atlantic region, the Berwyn-based team earned the first selection by Alliance 7, marking another significant milestone in its journey as a rookie team.
A Strong Finish to an Inaugural Competition Season
HAVOC 2026 provided BLAST Robotics with an opportunity to demonstrate its engineering capabilities, competitive experience, and teamwork against more experienced teams. The team's selection as the first pick by Alliance 7 and subsequent playoff appearance reflected the progress students made throughout their first year of competitive robotics.
Although a final tournament placement was not reported, the achievement demonstrated the team's growing confidence and ability to compete in a challenging environment.
Student Leadership and Teamwork at the Forefront
One of the most rewarding aspects of the competition was the contribution of BLAST Robotics' newer members. Students stepped forward to take on important responsibilities in robot operations, pit activities, and event management, demonstrating initiative, adaptability, and leadership.
Student leaders Vivaan, Lemuel, Virat, Anabel, and Mayon dedicated significant time and effort to developing a new robot for the off-season competition. Their work provided valuable opportunities for other team members to learn, participate, and gain practical engineering experience.
Team Captain Vivaan K. Ponugoti highlighted the growth of newer members and their contributions throughout the competition, emphasizing that the team's progress reflected how much students had learned and developed together.
Celebrating a Successful Rookie Season
The HAVOC playoff appearance added another achievement to an impressive inaugural season for BLAST Robotics. Earlier in 2026, Team 10989 received the Rookie All-Star Award at the FIRST Mid-Atlantic Centennial District Event and the Rising All-Star Award at the FIRST Mid-Atlantic Philadelphia District Event.
These accomplishments reflect the team's commitment to engineering excellence, student leadership, collaboration, and community engagement. For a newly established robotics program, competing alongside experienced teams and earning recognition during its first season represents meaningful progress.
Beyond Robotics: Building Future Leaders
At Keystone STEM Alliance, our mission extends beyond building competitive robots. Through BLAST Robotics, students gain hands-on experience in mechanical engineering, programming, electronics, problem-solving, teamwork, and leadership.
As Lead Mentor Hari Ponugoti emphasized, the organization's goal is to create opportunities for young people to develop engineering skills, build confidence, and become effective team members and future leaders.
The HAVOC experience demonstrated how competitive robotics can bring these values together, allowing students to apply their knowledge while learning from challenges and supporting one another.
Thank You to Our Supporters and Community
BLAST Robotics extends its sincere gratitude to its students, parents, mentors, and volunteers whose dedication and teamwork made the team's inaugural season possible.
We also recognize the continued support of our community partner, Eadeh Enterprises, and our supporters, AEO Better World Foundation and Chester County Community Foundation. Their contributions help provide students with opportunities to participate in hands-on STEM education and competitive robotics.
Looking Ahead to the 2027 Season
With its inaugural competition year complete, BLAST Robotics is now focusing on technical training, student leadership development, and preparations for the 2027 FIRST Robotics Competition season.
The experience gained at HAVOC 2026 provides a strong foundation for the challenges ahead. As the team continues to grow, Keystone STEM Alliance remains committed to expanding access to STEM education and creating opportunities for students to become tomorrow's engineers, innovators, and leaders.
One team. Countless possibilities. A future built through innovation.