At just ten years old, Egyptian fourth grade student Martiros Mina has won a gold medal in an international Python programming competition organized in China, placing him among the top two percent of participants worldwide. The achievement has attracted national attention, but for those who have followed his progress, it is the result of five years of steady learning, practice and experimentation.
A Foundation Built in Early Childhood
Martiros’s interest in technology did not begin with programming languages or competitive coding. It began with robotics and a strong curiosity about how things work.
According to Egyptian media reports following his recent recognition by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, Martiros designed and built his first robot when he was five years old.
That early experience became the foundation for his later work. At six, he enrolled in a specialized programming academy, where he began studying programming more formally. At seven, he entered his first local programming competitions. By the age of eight, he was competing internationally, traveling to countries including China, Estonia and Romania and earning several awards.
By the time he competed internationally in 2026, Martiros already had several years of experience in programming, robotics and competitions.
Gold in China
Martiros’s progress reached a major milestone in 2026 when he won a gold medal in an international Python programming competition organized in China.
More than 7,000 participants from 31 countries took part, according to a post from his school, Sahara Language School. His result placed him among the top two percent of participants worldwide, according to Egypt’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology and several Egyptian media reports.
The achievement is significant because it reflects years of preparation rather than a single success. Martiros had already spent much of his childhood learning programming, building robots and taking part in competitions before reaching the international stage.
More Than a Competition Programmer
Martiros’s interests go beyond programming competitions. He has also been working on practical technology projects, including a robotic tour guide modeled on King Tutankhamun.
The robot was designed to help introduce visitors to Egyptian antiquities at the Egyptian Museum. The project shows how Martiros is using his programming and robotics skills to create something connected to Egypt’s history and tourism.
Rather than seeing programming only as a competition skill, he is already using technology to develop projects with practical applications.
Recognition From Egypt’s Government
Martiros’s achievements recently brought him to the attention of Egypt’s Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Raafat Hendy, who formally honored the young programmer for his performance in local and international programming and robotics competitions.
During their meeting, Martiros demonstrated his work and presented his King Tutankhamun robotic tour guide to the minister.
Following the demonstration, Hendy directed that Martiros be admitted to the Robotics and Embedded Systems track of Egypt’s Digital Egypt Cubs Initiative, even though he is younger than the program’s usual age requirement.
Entering an Advanced Program Ahead of Schedule
The Digital Egypt Cubs Initiative normally serves students between the ages of 12 and 17. At ten years old and still in the fourth grade, Martiros would normally be eligible for the Digital Egypt Marvels Initiative, which is designed for pupils in grades four through six.
However, the ministry decided to give him early access to the more advanced Cubs program because of his demonstrated abilities. He will first undergo a skills assessment to determine the appropriate level of training.
The program covers several technology fields, including robotics and embedded systems, artificial intelligence, data science, cybersecurity, web development and digital arts.
The Digital Egypt Cubs Initiative was launched during the 2022 to 2023 academic year to provide talented Egyptian students with specialized training in modern technology fields. For Martiros, the program provides an opportunity to move beyond competitions and develop more advanced technical projects.
As part of his recognition, Minister Hendy also presented Martiros with a laptop and several robotics kits to support his continued learning and experimentation.
A Five Year Journey
Martiros’s development follows an unusually clear progression.
At five, he built his first robot.
At six, he began formal programming studies.
At seven, he entered local programming competitions.
At eight, he began competing internationally.
At ten, he won an international gold medal in Python programming.
His story demonstrates the importance of early exposure, consistent practice and access to opportunities. It also shows that young students can sometimes progress beyond the pace expected by traditional educational programs when they receive the right training and support.
Part of a Larger National Effort
Martiros’s success is taking place within a broader Egyptian effort to introduce children to technology at an early age.
According to Egypt’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, the Digital Egypt Marvels and Cubs initiatives had trained approximately 240,000 pupils nationwide by May 2026.
In 2025 alone, about 70,000 primary school pupils participated in the Marvels program, while approximately 62,000 preparatory and secondary school students took part in the Cubs program.
Martiros’s achievement is therefore part of a much larger effort to expand access to programming, robotics and other digital skills among Egyptian children.
Looking Ahead
Martiros Mina has already spent roughly half of his life learning about robotics and programming, yet his journey is still at an early stage.
With access to advanced training, new equipment and continued opportunities to participate in international competitions, he has the opportunity to develop his skills even further.
His journey also offers an important lesson for parents and educators. Meaningful engagement with programming does not necessarily have to wait until secondary school. When children are given the opportunity to explore technology early, combined with proper guidance and consistent practice, they can develop skills far beyond what their age might suggest.
Martiros’s story is not simply about a ten year old winning a gold medal. It is about what can happen when curiosity is encouraged, talent is recognized and young people are given the tools and opportunities to develop their abilities.