Otis India, a subsidiary of Otis Worldwide Corporation— the global leader in elevator and escalator manufacturing, installation, and service — has announced the sixth edition of its global Made to Move Communities™ challenge. This year’s program invites students to design AI-based mobility solutions that help communities and first responders prepare for, respond to, and recover from natural disasters.

The initiative underscores Otis’ long-standing commitment to advancing STEM education and empowering young innovators to apply technology and empathy toward building safer, more resilient cities. Over the coming months, more than 200 students from 18 countries and territories will collaborate with 150 Otis mentors to develop AI-led innovations that enhance disaster preparedness and recovery.

Sebi Joseph, President, Otis India, said, “During natural calamities, reliable vertical mobility plays a crucial role in ensuring safety and access to essential support. This year’s Made to Move Communities challenge encourages students to blend innovation with compassion — to view mobility through a humanitarian lens. I’m confident their ideas will not only address disaster-related mobility challenges but also nurture empathy and problem-solving among tomorrow’s leaders.”

Launched in 2020, Made to Move Communities™ is Otis’ flagship global STEM challenge, inspiring students to develop creative, real-world mobility solutions for their communities. Regional teams present their ideas to Otis judges, and winners advance to a global finale, where selected schools receive STEM grants ranging from $7,500 to 35,000 to further their innovation and education initiatives.

To date, the program has engaged over 1,000 students and 950 Otis mentors worldwide, contributing more than $1.25 million in grants to participating schools, reinforcing Otis’ vision to move the world safely, efficiently, and sustainably.