SeaPerch is an underwater robotics program run by RoboNation. Students build a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) from a SeaPerch kit, learning basic engineering, design, and science along the way, then test it in competition.
Competition classes:
The current registration template lists three classes:
- Middle School Stock Class
- High School Stock Class
- Open Class
What teams do:
In the pool, teams drive their ROV through obstacle courses inspired by underwater work that test maneuverability, control, and utility. On land, teams show their engineering through technical papers and presentations. Each season brings a new theme and a new set of competition tasks.
How to qualify for 2027:
Registered regional competitions allocate qualifying spaces. The 2027 regional competition period ends April 4, but each regional has its own entry schedule. Wild Card applications open December 1, 2026 and close February 1, 2027; invitations are due February 10. Teams enter their own design overview and statement and pay a non-refundable $10 application fee.
International Challenge:
The 2026 Challenge took place the weekend of May 30, 2026, at the University of Maryland in College Park, Maryland. The 2027 International SeaPerch Challenge is scheduled for June 5 to 6, 2027.
Fees (2025 Challenge, for reference):
The 2025 Challenge charged:
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| ROV registration | $350 |
| Per student | $75 (limit of 12 students) |
| Per chaperone | $75 (2 required, limit of 4) |
Individual fees included a t-shirt, Saturday lunch, and access to the full event.
Official sources:
- Competition overview and Wild Card rules
- 2027 Challenge dates
- About SeaPerch and 2026 Challenge location
- 2025 International SeaPerch Challenge: fees and classes
2027 registration checked November 4, 2026: The season page confirms June 5–6 in College Park. Invited teams register January 15–April 7 and must complete all tasks and payment by April 7. The registration policy lists $550 per team, including two chaperones, plus $100 per student; additional chaperones are $100 by arrangement. The 2027 eligibility guidance welcomes elementary through high school students and sets the Wild Card window above.
The dated season page offers a 50% cancellation refund through March 7, 2027 and none afterward. The generic competition overview still describes fees as non-refundable and displays an older closed Wild Card notice; those generic statements do not describe the new 2027 application window. Exact clock times and timezones are not given for the published 2027 cutoffs.