Another loop closed, another successful mission accomplished by MSP
The 2026 edition of the “Challenge of Minds” competition took place on June 17 at the Ilfov County School Inspectorate, the place where the Ora de Știut concept was born.
Participants showcased artistic and creative projects that successfully combined technology and imagination, proving once again that innovation and education can work hand in hand.
The final event brought together representatives of the founding partners of Ora de Știut, educational stakeholders, and teachers who mentored the participating students. They spoke about intrinsic motivation, passion for education, and the importance of supporting young people in developing their creativity and research skills.
Final Ranking
The competition was extremely close, and every project demonstrated originality, dedication, and innovation.
First Place was awarded to BloomBots, a project developed by students Dobre Maria-Irina and Ștefan Daria Maria from Anton Pann School, under the guidance of teacher Lucica Păpălău.
The Second Place project, Solar Tracker, created by Mușat Andreea Bianca, was also coordinated by Mrs. Păpălău.
This achievement is particularly remarkable as it marks the second consecutive year in which the school students mentored by Mrs. Păpălău have won first place, highlighting how dedicated teachers inspire dedicated students.
Third Place and the Popularity Award were won by Ghicică Petrescu Ana Miruna and Vîlcu Alessia Ștefania from Ioan Bădescu School in Popești-Leordeni, under the coordination of teacher Cristina Bamieh, with their project Water Cleaner.
Fourth Place went to Dragomir Daniel from School No. 1 Ciorogârla for his project Bio Smart System and the rest of the ranking can be found below:
Complete Ranking
- Dobre Maria-Irina, Ștefan Daria Maria – BloomBots
- Mușat Andreea Bianca – Solar Tracker
- Ghicică Petrescu Ana Miruna, Vîlcu Alessia Ștefania – Water Cleaner (Popularity Award)
- Dragomir Daniel – Bio Smart System
- Bina Antonia – FuturePulse City
- Vasilean Matei – Gerald Eco
- Ciobanu Bianca – Orbitalia – City of the Future
- Mălăeru Sofia – Biletix (a robot that issues cinema and concert tickets)
- Munteanu Mario – RamaMineris
- Berceanu Andra – AriAsha – Family Robotics
- Radu Lorena Maria – City of the Future on the Moon
Congratulations to all participants and we wish them success in their future projects!
Inspirational messages from guests and partners
Prof. Cristina Petre-Ghiță – Deputy General School Inspector – Ilfov County School Inspectorate
“Ora de Știut is an initiative with a rich history that has brought together teachers and students passionate about research and knowledge. We are delighted to see how dedicated people make a difference, that those involved from the very beginning continue to be part of this project, and that your teachers and mentors succeed in sparking your curiosity and motivating you to achieve great things.”
Prof. Adriana Stoica – General School Inspector – Ilfov County School Inspectorate
“We would like to thank our partners – Măgurele Science Park, the Ilfov County Council, and DigiWorld Romania – as well as our colleagues at the Ilfov County School Inspectorate for their continued support. We are proud of this initiative, which has been an official curricular elective since 2024 for 6th and 7th grade school students. Year after year, these students continue to impress us with their imagination, creativity, and innovative spirit.”
Florentina Buică – Măgurele Science Park
“Today, MSP rewards students with the best projects on the theme of the Green Revolution because supporting education and helping children discover the professions of the future is essential. Such initiatives encourage creativity, curiosity, and cognitive development.”
Mihaela Popescu – Executive Producer, Digi Documentaries
“Through its initiatives, DigiWorld seeks to make science accessible to everyone and help young people distinguish between fake news and reliable information. My message to all participants is to follow your dreams fearlessly and never be afraid of making mistakes.”
Alexandru Mironov – Science Journalist, teacher and author
“Homo sapiens must constantly think. Human beings need food for thought. This idea inspired us when we launched Digipedia, because people want to learn, and students need opportunities and resources that support their development.”
Closing Thoughts
The 2026 edition of the “Challenge of Minds” competition was vibrant, inspiring, and full of innovative projects carefully developed by students passionate about learning and discovery.
Once again, the event demonstrated that the Ora de Știut educational program continues to inspire young generations to become more creative, imaginative, and eager to explore the world through science, technology, and innovation.
We look forward to seeing everyone again next year, with new ideas, new challenges, and the same passion for knowledge.
