A student at ENI, Andotiana Kanto Fitiavana Rahandrisoa is racking up international distinctions in AI. He will soon represent Madagascar at Robotex International in Seoul.

At 19, Andotiana Kanto Fitiavana Rahandrisoa is already making his mark on Madagascar's computing landscape. A second-year student in General Computing at the National School of Computing (ENI) in Fianarantsoa, he regularly participates in international competitions in artificial intelligence, programming, and robotics. Next stop: Seoul, South Korea, where he will represent Madagascar at Robotex International 2026.

His interest in technology dates back to childhood. In Ampitatafika, where he grew up, his grandfather introduced him to electronics. "I watched him take things apart, repair them, explain them," he recalls. At 14, he turned to programming. His older brother, then a student at ENI, taught him the basics, particularly web programming. The young man continued learning on his own, lacking specialized training nearby.

Documentation, online courses, research articles, and internet communities became his main learning tools. This method taught him above all how to search and solve problems independently. "Self-teaching teaches you something few courses do: how to learn," he emphasizes.

After his BEPC at Lovasoa Private School in Ampitatafika and his D-series baccalaureate, obtained between Ampitatafika High School and Sunbeam Private High School, he entered ENI after passing the entrance exam.

Despite a schedule packed with competitions, he maintains excellent academic results, with grades reaching 19/20. In November 2025, while still in his first year, he won first prize at the Classic Hackathon at the French Institute of Madagascar, organized around the theme "Cultivating Tomorrow." In less than four days, he handled programming an educational game and learning platform.

In April 2026, he secured third place on the continental level and a medal at the African Olympiad in Artificial Intelligence in Tunisia. He then participated in the International Olympiad in Artificial Intelligence in Kazakhstan, in competitions devoted notably to machine learning, deep learning, natural language processing, and computer vision.

His journey also took him to Germany. He was selected among twenty participants in the MLESM Hackathon, organized by the universities of Bonn and Cologne, a program mainly intended for doctoral students and young researchers. His participation while still in his second year represents further recognition of his skills.

Behind these results, the young computer scientist emphasizes the role of his mentors, Tiffany Cynthia and Isis Eden, who supported him in preparing for the olympiads.

Representing Madagascar abroad is a source of pride for him, but also responsibility. "When you walk into a room and see your country's name on your badge, you're no longer competing just for yourself," he states.

Difficulties remain numerous: funding for travel, administrative procedures, access to equipment, limited computing power, power outages, and lack of specialized mentors. Yet these constraints also fuel his adaptability.

In November 2026, he will participate in Robotex International in Seoul, where he will compete in robotics, programming, embedded systems, and autonomous systems. A selection that represents for him a return to his roots, toward the electronics discovered with his grandfather.

In the future, Andotiana wishes to specialize in embedded artificial intelligence. He notably aims to develop solutions adapted to Malagasy agriculture and education, capable of functioning with limited connectivity and resources.

His other ambition is to share his knowledge. "What I missed most at 14 was someone to show the way. I'd like to be that person for others," he confides. Ultimately, he wishes to put his skills at Madagascar's service, through research, teaching, and innovation.