The MATE ROV Competition is an annual global underwater robotics challenge organized by the Marine Advanced Technology Education (MATE) Center and the Marine Technology Society. Teams of K-12, community college, and university students design, build, and pilot remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) to complete mission tasks based on real-world ocean science and engineering scenarios.
The competition is structured into five progressive levels — SCOUT, NAVIGATOR, RANGER, PIONEER, and EXPLORER — ranging from beginner to advanced. Teams advance through regional competitions held worldwide before qualifying for the annual World Championship.
Judging components include:
- ROV mission performance in an underwater pool
- Technical documentation and engineering presentation
- Marketing display and corporate responsibility score sheet
- Safety inspection
Teams must have at least three student members and one adult mentor (teacher, parent, or industry professional). Mentors may only provide educational and inspirational guidance; students must design and build the ROV themselves. The 2026 World Championship was held June 25–27 in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.