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 2025 Challenge listed teams in 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:
Volunteer coordinators host regional SeaPerch competitions each year, and each registered regional is allocated a set number of qualifying spaces for the International SeaPerch Challenge. The competition page also describes Wild Card spaces for teams from around the world, with priority for teams that do not have access to a regional competition. Wild Card spaces are limited, applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and fees are non-refundable. The Wild Card application for the 2026 season is closed.
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):
2027 fees have not been published. 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: