Empowering the Next Generation of Engineers: A Conversation with Blast Robotics 

We recently had the honor of having Vivaan K. and Virat Ram Ponugoti from Keystone STEM: Blast Robotics on The Professor Kev Show, hosted by Professor Kev — Professor at University of Massachusetts Lowell and a champion of student entrepreneurship who highlights rising innovators.

In this episode, they discussed how Blast Robotics continues to redefine what youth-driven STEM leadership looks like, moving far beyond traditional robotics club activities into real-world impact and organizational growth.

Transitioning from School Clubs to High-Level Competition
Vivaan and Virat shared how shifting from basic school robotics to the FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) significantly raised the team’s technical skills, collaboration, and strategic thinking — preparing students for real engineering challenges and teamwork.

The Business Side of STEM
A standout theme in the conversation was how Blast Robotics treats STEM as both a technical and entrepreneurial endeavor. Students manage five-figure budgets, write successful grant applications, and connect with sponsors — building professional skills while still in high school.

Building Inclusive Opportunities
The team emphasized that Blast Robotics isn’t just about coding or mechanical design — they intentionally create roles for students in marketing, branding, social media, outreach, and operations, making STEM more accessible to diverse interests and strengths.

Global Outreach & Community Impact
They spoke about expanding Blast Robotics’ mission internationally, including STEM engagement efforts in India, where they’ve conducted workshops and inspired hundreds of students — particularly focused on underrepresented communities.

Developing Leadership Through Mentorship
Another highlight from the video was how Vivaan and Virat are not just leading their team but mentoring younger students, helping them grow confidence, technical skills, and a passion for engineering early on.

Hands-On STEM Workshops
Outside of FRC, they described how Blast Robotics hosts hands-on STEM workshops — like recent events focused on robotics basics and engineering fundamentals — to spark curiosity and build foundational skills among even younger learners.