Otis Worldwide Corp Celebrates Global Co-Champions in 2026 Made to Move Communities™ Challenge

In line with this year’s theme, which focused on addressing mobility challenges during natural disasters, both winning teams showcased advanced technology concepts that could significantly enhance emergency response efforts.

The team from Geniko Lyceum Filothei developed an AI-enabled container designed to monitor rainfall fluctuations and water levels. This proactive system alerts local emergency management personnel to potential flooding, thereby helping to protect vulnerable residents during high-risk events.

Meanwhile, the team from HKFYG Lee Shau Kee College created a combined AI and augmented reality system tailored for first responders. This innovative solution aims to enhance visibility and communication in smoke-filled environments, thereby improving response times in critical situations.

Randi Tanguay, Otis Chief Communications Officer, expressed her admiration for the student teams, stating, "Their projects reflect not only technical ingenuity and creativity, but also a clear focus on helping vulnerable communities and first responders when it matters most." Tanguay emphasized the importance of nurturing a new generation of thinkers who can leverage technology for the greater good.

This year’s challenge saw participation from over 200 high school students representing 18 schools across 14 countries, highlighting the global reach of Otis's initiative.

As co-champions, both winning teams received $35,000 in grants for their respective schools. The funding will support ongoing STEM education initiatives, reinforcing the program's commitment to fostering the next generation of innovators.

Lin Chun Pong, Principal of HKFYG Lee Shau Kee College, stated, "This achievement reflects the creativity, curiosity and hard work our students bring to everything they do." Similarly, Petros Matzakos, Principal of Geniko Lyceum Filothei, praised the students' ability to apply technical skills to real-world challenges thanks to the guidance of Otis mentors.

The Made to Move Communities program is Otis's flagship social impact initiative, designed to inspire students to create STEM- and AI-based solutions for real-world mobility issues. Since its inception, the program has engaged over 1,000 Otis colleagues in mentoring, benefiting more than 1,250 students and distributing grants totaling nearly $1.5 million to support STEM education.

Otis's focus on natural disasters this year is particularly timely, as the frequency and intensity of such events have surged over the past fifty years, leading to increased mobility challenges and vulnerabilities.

Otis Worldwide Corp continues to demonstrate its commitment to social responsibility and innovation through the Made to Move Communities program. By encouraging students to tackle pressing global issues, Otis not only invests in future workforce readiness but also strengthens community resilience in the face of challenges.

As the world faces an evolving landscape of natural disasters and mobility issues, Otis remains dedicated to providing solutions that enhance the way people connect and thrive in an increasingly complex world.

For more information about the Made to Move Communities program, visit the official Otis website.