Ashwin Cheripally
Robotics Enthusiast | Founder, Cheri Foundation | Mars Society 1st Place Winner
Key Achievements
About Me
Engineering solutions for real-world problems
Where Engineering Meets Purpose
I build robots, but more importantly, I build solutions. As a 10th grade student, I've learned that the best engineering happens when you're solving problems that matter to real people.
That's why I founded the Cheri Foundation — to bring quality education to 50+ rural students who deserve the same opportunities I've had. Raising ₹3 lakh and seeing students improve their scores by 40% taught me more about impact than any textbook could.
From building Equibot at Plaksha YTS to being selected as a Mars Society finalist presenting at USC, I'm constantly pushing to turn ambitious ideas into working prototypes.
“The best way to predict the future is to invent it.” — Alan Kay
Mars Society Convention 2025
Team SOLACE — 1st Place Winners at the International Mars Mission Design Competition
1st Place Overall
International Design Competition
1st in Engineering
Engineering Division Winner
International Competition
Students from all over the world
Travelled to USA
Presented at USC, Los Angeles
At the 28th Annual Mars Society Convention, USC
Presenting Mars Habitat Radiation Shielding Strategy
The convention auditorium at University of Southern California
About the Mission
Led the Engineering team for Team SOLACE in designing a complete theoretical 1.5-year mission to Mars. Our project included designing maps, rovers, and innovative solutions for Mars exploration. The competition brought together students from all over the world, and our team emerged victorious with 1st position overall and 1st place in the Engineering division.
Leadership & Initiatives
Creating impact through education and community service
Cheri Foundation
Self-Founded Initiative • 2024 - Present
Founded to support those who have the potential and ambition but cannot afford opportunities. Through school visits, mentorship classes, and fundraising, we're making education and comfort accessible to those in need.
- Mentorship classes at multiple underprivileged schools in rural areas
- 40% of students showed keen interest in new learning methods
- Donated TV for visual learning — students now more engaged
- Donated 70-100 necessities to old age homes
- Received official recognition from partner schools
Empower Education Fundraiser
Cheri Foundation Campaign • 2024
Launched the Empower Education fundraiser to raise funds for donating basic school supplies to children in rural areas. Successfully raised close to ₹3 Lakhs and donated equipment to many schools.
- Raised close to ₹3 Lakhs for rural education
- Donated school supplies to multiple schools
- Students learning logical thinking through Rubik's Cubes
- Principals reported increased student engagement
Why I Lead: Education Changes Everything
Growing up, I saw brilliant kids in rural areas who never got the chance to explore their potential — not because they lacked talent, but because they lacked access. The Cheri Foundation is my answer to that injustice.
STEM Projects
Hands-on engineering and research experiences
Equibot — Self-Balancing Robot
Built the best self-balancing robot at Plaksha University's YTS program. One week of intensive theory classes combined with hands-on labs culminated in our team presenting Equibot on stage during the closing ceremony.
Team SOLACE — Mars Mission Design
Led the Engineering team for Team SOLACE in designing a complete theoretical 1.5-year mission to Mars. Our project included designing maps, rovers, and innovative solutions for Mars exploration.
Collect the Cubes — 3D Game
At just 9 years old in grade 4, I created a 3D game called 'Collect the Cubes' where players collect cubes as fast as possible to gain coins. This early project sparked my passion for coding and game development.
Competitions & Awards
Recognition for academic excellence and innovation
Mars Society International Design Competition
The Mars Society
Won 1st position overall and 1st in the Engineering division in an International design competition with students from all over the world. Invited to present at the 2025 Mars Society Convention at University of Southern California, LA, USA.
DPS Robotics Carnival
Delhi Public School
Robotics competition showcasing engineering skills and innovation in robot design and programming.
Plaksha Young Tech Scholars (YTS)
Plaksha University
Intensive hands-on engineering program at Plaksha University. Our team built the best self-balancing robot (Equibot) and presented at the closing ceremony.
Aryabhatta Maths Competition
Aryabhatta Foundation
Mathematics competition testing problem-solving skills and mathematical reasoning.
DPS Nationals Archery
Delhi Public School
National-level archery competition among DPS schools across India.
CBSE South Zone Nationals
CBSE
CBSE South Zone national archery championship representing school at zonal level.
Other Awards & Recognition
DPS Nationals Archery — 3rd Place
Delhi Public School • 2025
National-level archery competition
DPS Robotics Carnival — 2nd Place
Delhi Public School • 2025
Robotics competition
School Recognition — Cheri Foundation
Partner Schools • 2024
Official recognition for mentorship and educational contributions
Certificates & Credentials
Recognition of learning and achievements
Robotics Project Certificate
Plaksha University
Mars Mission Research
Mars Society
Data Science & AI
IIT Madras
Python Programming
Michigan University
C Language
UC
Arduino Programming
Online Course
Arduino Robotics
Robotics Program
Figma Design
Online Course
AMC Mathematics
AMC
Science Olympiad
Olympiad Foundation
Appreciation Certificate
Cheri Foundation Partner
Recognition Certificate
Partner School
Community Outreach
Service Organization
Drawing Competition
Art Competition
Showing 14 of 14 certificates
Beyond Academics
Exploring creativity, sports, and personal growth
Archery
It gives a sense of calmness and peace to me. Whenever I do Archery, I forget all the things troubling me in life. Started 6 months ago and already competing at national level.
Drawing & Art
Creative expression through sketching and illustration. Drawing helps me visualize ideas and relax.
Reading
Passionate reader with a focus on mathematical research-oriented books. Reading expands my understanding of complex concepts.
Coding & Robotics
Building robots and writing code to solve real-world problems. Combining programming with hands-on engineering.
Design (Photoshop)
Creating visual content and designs using Adobe Photoshop for projects and presentations.
Mathematics
Strong foundation in mathematics with participation in competitions and a love for problem-solving.
My Journey
Key milestones in my path toward MIT
Mars Society — 1st Place & USC Convention
Won 1st place overall and 1st in Engineering. Travelled to USA to present at Mars Society Convention at USC, Los Angeles.
Plaksha YTS — Best Robot
Built Equibot, the best self-balancing robot at the program.
DPS Robotics Carnival — 2nd Place
Secured second place in robotics competition.
DPS Nationals Archery — 3rd Place
Bronze medal at national archery competition.
CBSE South Zone Nationals
Represented school at zonal archery championship.
Founded Cheri Foundation
Started initiative to support underprivileged students.
Empower Education Fundraiser
Raised ₹3 Lakhs for rural education supplies.
First 3D Game — Age 9
Created 'Collect the Cubes' game using C# and Unity.
Future Goals
Where I'm headed and what I'm working towards
Study Robotics & Mechatronics
The idea of innovation in a world that we don't even know the potential of excites me. I want to pursue Robotics/Mechatronics at a top engineering university and contribute to cutting-edge research.
Present at Mars Society Convention
Present Team SOLACE's Mars mission design at the Mars Society Convention 2025 at USC. Share our innovative ideas for Mars exploration with the global space community.
Expand Cheri Foundation
Reach more students and schools with our mentorship programs. Continue raising funds to provide educational resources and support to underprivileged communities.
Excel in Robotics Competitions
Continue competing in robotics events and aim for top placements. Build on the success at DPS Robotics Carnival and Plaksha YTS.
Advance in Archery
Continue training and competing at national level. Build on the 3rd place finish at DPS Nationals and aim for higher achievements.
Why Robotics?
“The idea of innovation in a world that we don't even know the potential of excites me.”
Robotics combines everything I love — mathematics, physics, coding, and hands-on building. From building Equibot at Plaksha to designing Mars rovers for Team SOLACE, I've discovered that robots aren't just machines — they're solutions waiting to be built.
My robotics mentor says the best universities are where you learn to innovate, not just study. That's what I'm looking for — a place where I can turn ideas into reality and build technology that makes a difference.
Let's Connect
Open to research opportunities, collaborations, and conversations about robotics and education
Get in Touch
Location
India
Currently seeking:
- Research mentorship opportunities
- Robotics project collaborations
- STEM competition teammates