2025 MATE ROV Competition: A Global Championship for Young Innovators

2025 MATE ROV Competition: A Showcase of Young Innovators



The excitement is palpable as the 2025 MATE ROV Competition World Championship prepares to take place in Alpena, Michigan, at the esteemed Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary. This marks a significant return for the competition since its last visit in 2014. Now in its 23rd iteration, this globally recognized event invites student innovators from around the world to display their skills in marine technology and engineering in a competitive, hands-on environment.

The Marine Advanced Technology Education (MATE) Competition, which is part of the Marine Technology Society (MTS), poses a unique challenge for educational teams: they must design, construct, and deploy remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) to address various real-world inspired mission tasks. The theme for this year, "UN Decade of the Ocean, MATE Year of the Great Lakes Exploring, Monitoring, and Protecting Our Water World,” emphasizes the engineering challenges associated with freshwater environments while promoting innovative exploration and data collection practices.

In 2025, a total of 79 teams from 18 different countries will participate, demonstrating their technological ingenuity and ability to solve complex problems. The competition takes place in an outdoor test tank within the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary, specifically designed to simulate real-world marine conditions. Students will immerse themselves in tasks ranging from documenting historic shipwrecks to deploying environmental sensors and collecting water samples. Notably, teams will also focus on supporting offshore wind turbine maintenance, solar panel systems, and global observing initiatives—a reflection of the increasing significance of marine technology and ocean monitoring in our rapidly changing environment.

Jill Zande, Executive Director of MATE at MTS, expressed her pride in the caliber of students participating in the event. She remarked, "These students continue to impress with their problem-solving ability and professionalism. Bringing the World Championship back to Alpena—where we held it in 2014—is incredibly special. Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary offers students a one-of-a-kind opportunity to engage with marine technology and maritime heritage. This competition is more than just a challenge—it's a foundation for the next generation of problem-solvers, engineers, leaders, and explorers.”

The significance of the MATE ROV Competition extends beyond competition; it plays a pivotal role in STEM education and workforce development. It provides students with hands-on opportunities to apply their theoretical knowledge to real-world problems, enabling them to grow as future innovators and leaders in marine technology.

The success of the 2025 event is made possible thanks to generous contributions from notable partners such as the National Science Foundation, Schmidt Ocean Institute, Oceaneering International, Blue Robotics, Fugro, Beatbot, and other organizations renowned for their expertise in underwater technology.

For those interested in following the competition live, the event will be streamed on Twitch at Twitch.tv/mateinspires1.

About the MATE ROV Competition



Launched with funding from the National Science Foundation at Monterey Peninsula College in 1997, the MATE Center created this competition in collaboration with the Marine Technology Society's ROV Committee. The inaugural event took place in 2001. In 2016, the non-profit MATE Inspiration for Innovation (MATE II) was founded to carry forward educational initiatives initiated at the MATE Center. MATE II has since partnered with the Marine Technology Society to further bridge the gap between current professionals and future innovators in the marine technology sector.

About Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary



Covering 4,300 square miles, the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary is home to more than 200 preserved shipwrecks, offering remarkable opportunities for diving, snorkeling, and paddling. It stands as not only a sanctuary for marine exploration but as a beacon for historical maritime heritage. Visitors can engage with the sanctuary in various ways, from climbing lighthouses to embarking on snorkeling expeditions or glass-bottom boat tours. Find out more about this unique venue by visiting the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center in downtown Alpena or exploring online at thunderbay.noaa.gov.

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