AstroBruins: A Community Robotics Team Shining at the 2025 FTC World Championship
Celebrating Unique Spirit Wear
Sporting playful powder blue sweatshirts, silly matching ears, and vibrant royal blue capes, the AstroBruins, a community-based robotics team from Sunnyvale, certainly turned heads as they arrived at the 2025 FTC World Championship in Houston, Texas, from April 16-19. Their whimsical attire gave off an almost Halloween-inspired vibe, but it was a testament to their fun-loving spirit and team camaraderie—vital for their challenging journey in the FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC).
Triumph at the NorCal Regional Tournament
Amidst the light-hearted charm, the team of 13 local students, aged 13 to 17, showcased serious robotics prowess. They clinched the Inspire Award at the FTC NorCal Regional Tournament held in Newark on February 23, which secured their invitation to the prestigious world championship. Competing against elite teams from 66 countries, the AstroBruins were not just participants—they were contenders.
Recognizing Exceptional Talent
The hard work paid off as the AstroBruins earned the 3rd Place Motivate Award during their time in Houston. They also celebrated the remarkable achievement of teammate Serena Gandhi, who received the FIRST Tech Challenge Dean’s List Award Winner 2025 for her outstanding leadership and dedication in the robotics competition—an inspirational figure for her peers.
Insights from the Coach
“The journey from winning first place in Northern California to competing at an international level illustrated to us that teamwork and consistent preparation can yield remarkable results,” said Srin Kumar, the AstroBruins’ lead coach. As a parent and mentor, Kumar has seen firsthand how robotics can develop not only technical skills but also personal character and relationships among team members.
The Essence of Robotics Competition
Kumar highlights that participating in robotics competitions is about more than just building robots; it’s about fostering essential life skills and nurturing friendships with teams globally. “It’s about building character, learning to work together, and creating lasting memories,” he explained.
Third Time’s a Charm
Competing in the 2025 tournament marked the AstroBruins’ third attempt at the FTC World Championship, previously qualifying in 2019 and 2024. Each year has brought them closer to refining their skills and bettering their performance, underscoring their commitment to growth.
Shepherding Young Minds
Jeevan Navudu, a crucial mentor and co-founder of the team, emphasizes the importance of mentorship within the AstroBruins. Returning home to the Bay Area after earning his degree in computer engineering, Navudu is dedicated to passing on knowledge and witnessing student transformation firsthand. “It’s a beautiful cycle of training—older students mentor younger ones, and team graduates support seniors,” he shared.
Team Structure and Collaboration
AstroBruins employs a hybrid approach to creating their robots, organizing members into five specialized sub-teams focused on different challenges: robot build, robot design, software coding, outreach, and finance. This structure encourages focused efforts while also allowing for collaborative brainstorming and problem-solving sessions.
A Family-Like Atmosphere
Working out of Kumar’s garage, the team enjoys a unique blend of fun and educational experiences. “When everyone comes together to work on projects, it feels less like work and more like spending quality time with family,” said Navudu. They produce many of their components using 3D printers, engaging in hands-on learning that says, “Nothing worthwhile is easy.”
Beyond School Walls
Kumar’s vision of a community-driven team allows them to attract a wide range of students, moving away from the limitations of school-based teams. Aspiring members must apply and participate in an interview process. This season, the team boasts participants from several schools, including San Jose, Monticello, Cabrillo, and Bellarmine, as well as nine students from the 49ers’ STEM Leadership Institute at Santa Clara High School.
A Culture of Learning
AstroBruins co-captain Serena Gandhi, a junior at Santa Clara High School, praises this culture of mutual learning. “Everyone teaches, and everyone learns—that’s how the team truly shines,” she said, emphasizing the value of collaboration over competition in their development.
Funding Challenges and Solutions
Like many community-based teams, financial support poses challenges for the AstroBruins. “Every component, competition fee, and travel expense must come from our own efforts—we don’t have built-in institutional support,” said Kumar. This constraint has spurred them on to become more resourceful, gaining invaluable experience in real-world business development and community outreach.
Diverse Funding Sources
Funding for the AstroBruins comes from various channels, including sponsorships from local businesses, partnerships with tech companies, and support from the City of Santa Clara. Additionally, they host fundraising events like the Santa Clara Art & Wine Festival, which helps sustain their operations and team activities.
Supportive Network
“Our success is due to an incredible network of parents, educators, and mentors who contribute in various ways,” said Kumar. This volunteer-driven approach fortifies the foundation upon which AstroBruins build their robotics achievements. Community engagement provides the team not just with necessary resources but also with mentorship opportunities.
A Legacy of Learning
Saharsh Navudu, co-captain and Kumar’s younger son, carries on the family tradition of learning and growth through robotics. He expresses a core belief instilled in him: “Failure is not the opposite of success—it’s part of the process.” This philosophy fosters a rich culture of problem-solving and perseverance within the team.
Looking Ahead
As the astro-themed team aims for new heights in future competitions, their experiences at the world championship will guide their growth and development. The camaraderie, technical knowledge, and friendships built will act as a strong foundation for each member’s future endeavors.
Conclusion: More Than Just Robotics
The AstroBruins exemplify what it means to be part of a community-oriented robotics team. While their playful attire may initially draw smiles, their genuine spirit of teamwork, technical excellence, and dedication to personal growth is what truly makes them stand out. They embrace challenges, lift one another, and celebrate small victories while readying themselves for the future—showing us all that the world of robotics is not just about machines, but about building a brighter tomorrow through collaboration and learning.