Compete with SeaPerch

Conquer the world. One pool at a time.

The International SeaPerch Challenge

Want to be an underwater robotics champion? Here is your chance.

The annual International SeaPerch Challenge is an invitation-only event open to teams that excel at registered regional competitions and earn a slot to compete in the season’s culminating event.

On land, teams show off their engineering skills through technical papers and presentations. In the pool, they navigate their SeaPerch through a series of obstacles inspired by the real world that test maneuverability, control, and utility. Each season has a new theme and a new set of competition tasks, challenging teams to expand on their original vehicle design.

Beyond the friendly rivalry, all competitions bring students together from different schools, states, and countries to form a supportive community. Discover this year’s theme and dive into a new challenge.

Ways to Qualify

Option 1: Compete Regionally

“Think globally, act locally” can apply to bots as well.

SeaPerch competitions are hosted annually by volunteer coordinators around the world. These events range from local exposition events to regional competitions that allocate qualifying spaces for top teams to compete at the annual International SeaPerch Challenge.

Regional competitions are planned, hosted, and executed by local SeaPerch advocates, mentors, and regional coordinators. Each registered regional competition is allocated a set number of qualifier spaces for the International SeaPerch Challenge. Compete and win in one of these events to move on to the International event.

Requirements and tasks for regional events vary. Regional Events for 2025 will be posted this winter.

Find out more about Regional Competitions

Option 2: Apply for a Wild Card Space (Now Closed)

Many teams don’t have the same access or ability to participate in a regional competition. Teams from around the world can apply for Wild Card spaces to compete at the annual International SeaPerch Challenge.

To be considered for a Wild Card space, teams may submit an application including team information, a brief overview of their SeaPerch ROV design, and a short statement about what participation at the International Challenge means to them. We are eager to hear from the students about why they want to compete at the International SeaPerch Challenge. As such, application questions should be answered in student team members’ own words.

Eligibility: Teams are eligible to apply for Wild Card slots even if they are participating in a regional. However, teams are not eligible to be awarded a Wild Card slot if they win an invitation at a regional. Please note priority will be given to teams who do not have access to a regional competition.

Qualifications: Qualified spaces for wild card submission are limited. Applications will be reviewed, and spaces awarded on a rolling basis. Note all fees are non-refundable. Registration is now closed.