Keynote Speakers
Talk: “CATCH System: a low-cost autonomous vehicle that collects table tennis balls for paralympic athletes”.
My name is José Tomás Perera Giansante. I’m sixteen years old and my life has been a journey with lots of stories and events that made me what I am today. Born and raised in San Felipe, capital of Yaracuy state, Located in Venezuela.
Since I was eight years old, I have been learning English as a foreign language at MFL Academy, where I not only achieved linguistic proficiency but also discovered communication as a tool for transformation. Concurrently, I developed an innate fascination with technology, trying to learn something new everyday, even though that technology was very limited, that didn’t stop me and allowed me to find lots of alternatives and learn lots of new things, and that’s when I discovered what I wanted to work with the rest of my life.
José Tomás Perera Giansante
The turning point came in 2024 when my school launched a robotics program. Arduino boards and ultrasonic sensors revealed my vocation: I finished deciding what part of electronics I would dedicate to, deciding to specialize in Robotics and Intelligent Machines. That same year I participated in the national robotics tournament known as “Kurios Competition”, achieving 4th Place in the tournament with my team.
In March 2024, aged fifteen, I undertook an unconventional challenge: becoming an English teacher at MFL Academy, teaching students from all ages and categories. This allowed me to become more responsible and learn lots of new qualities, balancing teaching responsibilities with high school studies demanded extreme discipline but affirmed my conviction that knowledge gains value only when shared.
International recognition followed in May 2025, when I had the honor of representing Venezuela’s first delegation in history to the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) in Columbus, Ohio. I presented “CATCH System”: a low-cost autonomous vehicle that collects table tennis balls for paralympic athletes. Pioneering Venezuela’s participation in this prestigious scientific arena marked a triumph—demonstrating that everyone can achieve their goals no matter what.
Currently, I devote my energies to finishing “CATCH System”, So players can focus on what really matters: Playing, Improving and Enjoying. All my teammates at CIDAR Academy are super excited for the project and will be super happy when they can finally test the robot themselves.
My path continues to unfold between high school classrooms, teaching duties at MFL Academy, and my personal goals and projects. Even with limitations, creativity can transcend borders when fueled by perseverance and purpose to help people.