Right to Dream students earn global acclaim after robotics and AI triumphs
Students from Ghana-founded Right to Dream academy have earned international recognition after recording major successes in two prestigious global science and technology competitions, reinforcing the institution’s growing reputation beyond football development.
The students distinguished themselves at the United Nations-backed AI for Good Youth Challenge and the 2026 Robofest World Championship in the United States, achievements widely being hailed as a breakthrough moment for Ghanaian youth participation in global innovation and STEM education.
At the AI for Good Youth Challenge held in Ghana, a team of nine students from Right to Dream, comprising five girls and four boys, emerged winners after an intense 12-hour contest against several leading international schools. Their victory secured Ghana’s representation at the AI for Good Global Summit scheduled for July in Geneva.
The achievement marks one of the academy’s most significant educational milestones and highlights the increasing role of artificial intelligence and technology education within institutions traditionally associated with sport.
The academy’s international success continued in the United States, where another group of students secured second place at the 2026 Robofest World Championship hosted by Lawrence Technological University in Michigan.
Their impressive performance earned the team a scholarship package valued at $64,000 from the university, an award reserved for some of the competition’s top-performing global participants.
Officials at Right to Dream described the twin achievements as evidence that young Africans can excel internationally across multiple disciplines when provided with quality education, mentorship and access to opportunity.
Head of Education at Right to Dream, Dionne Boateng, praised the students for balancing demanding academic schedules with elite sporting and innovation programmes.
“These are young people balancing elite sport, academics and innovation at the same time,” she said. “Watching them collaborate, problem solve and compete at this level has been incredibly inspiring. It reinforces our belief that young people should never be limited to a single identity or pathway.”
Founded in Ghana, Right to Dream has expanded operations across Africa, Europe and the United States and is internationally recognised for nurturing football talent alongside academic and leadership development.
The academy has produced several internationally known footballers, including Mohammed Kudus, Kamaldeen Sulemana, Ernest Nuamah and Simon Adingra.
However, officials say the institution’s broader philosophy has always focused on combining sport with education, leadership training, creativity and technological innovation.
The academy operates a Cambridge-accredited academic system and has seen students progress not only into professional football careers but also into top universities in Europe and the United States, including Stanford University, Brown University and Amherst College.
The recent achievements in robotics and artificial intelligence are expected to further strengthen conversations around investment in STEM education and youth innovation across Africa.
As the students prepare for the global summit in Switzerland, education and technology advocates say the accomplishment demonstrates that African youth can compete successfully on the world stage when given the right environment to develop their talents.
