About Us

Our Story

Champion Robotics Academy, formerly Shiva Robotics Academy, was founded on a simple but powerful belief: every child deserves the chance to build something that matters. What began in Jacksonville, Florida as one robotics team with one EV3 kit, five excited kids, and ten supportive parents has grown into a nationally recognized K-12 robotics education institution with World Championship appearances, 40+ competition awards, and a growing franchise network.

Meet Our Founder: Kalai Sankar

Kalai's journey into robotics education started as a team parent, with her two daughters on the team. What began as a hobby quickly became a passion, and Kalai shifted gears to become a rookie coach for a rookie team. She was often the only female coach at tournaments.

"When people expect the highest from you, knowingly or unknowingly you have to shift your gear to the highest point. It is a tremendous privilege. It is an opportunity to rise beyond your limitations."

That first season felt like navigating unknown terrain. Making young students work together was a challenge, but T.E.A.M. became the mantra: Together Everyone Achieves More. When Kalai received the Best Coach Award at the Florida State Championship, it turned her self-doubts into confidence and crystallized her purpose.

"Finally, I found something that I love, that I am good at, and that the world needs."

What started as one rookie team has since grown into multiple FLL, FLL Junior, and FTC teams, summer camps, school programs, and a full robotics academy. Kalai has been recognized as one of Jacksonville's 52 Game Changers by Leading Ladies 904, delivered a TED Talk at TEDxFSCJ, and was honored with the Jacksonville Business Journal's Innovators in Education Award.

One of Kalai's core missions is encouraging more girls and mothers to participate in STEM. She runs free workshops to train mothers to become FIRST team coaches, believing that when mothers lead, girls thrive.

Our Mission

To inspire the next generation of innovators, engineers, and problem-solvers through hands-on robotics education, competition, and community.

A Decade of Championship Excellence

  • World Robot Olympiad National Champions (Costa Rica, 2017)
  • World Robotics Championship participants, Houston (2022-2023)
  • FIRST Tech Challenge Inspire Award winners
  • Multiple Florida State Championship qualifiers across FLL, FLL Junior, and FTC
  • International invitations to Japan, Arkansas, and Costa Rica
  • 40+ awards since 2014

As Seen In

  • Florida Times-Union - EngiNerds pitched a Lego-built hydroelectric generator to Jacksonville City Council
  • News4Jax (2019) - Featured for teaching high-demand STEM skills
  • Jacksonville Business Journal (2017) - Innovators in Education Award
  • TEDxFSCJ: Fearless Innovation - Founder Kalai Sankar TED Talk
  • Leading Ladies 904 (2018) - Coach Kalai named one of Jacksonville's 52 Game Changers
  • WJXT-TV Channel 4, FOLIO Weekly, NEWS 104.5 WOKV - Multiple media features
  • Mayor Donna Deegan (May 2025) - Students featured at AAPI Heritage Month
  • Florida State College at Jacksonville - Robotics programs launched on campus

Our Programs

We offer weekly classes, summer camps, and competitive teams for K-12 students including LEGO Robotics, metal robotics, 3D printing, FIRST LEGO League, VEX Robotics, and FIRST Tech Challenge.

Grow With Us

We are expanding globally through a franchise model. Learn more about bringing Champion Robotics to your community.