Over 130 junior high and high school students from 15 teams throughout Newfoundland and Labrador will participate in the regional Marine Advanced Technology Education Remotely Operated Vehicle (MATE ROV) competition this weekend in St. John’s. The Provincial Government is contributing over $89,000 to support this year’s event, hosted by the Fisheries and Marine Institute of Memorial University’s School of Ocean Technology.
The 17th annual regional MATE ROV competition inspires and encourages youth to become involved in ocean science and technology. Using science, technology, engineering, and math skills, students create remotely operated vehicles to compete in missions that simulate challenges present in marine environments. This year’s student challenge is ‘Deliver, Together, The Ocean We Need for the Future We Want’, by designing and building a remotely operated vehicle and the necessary sensors, tooling, and complementary technologies to combat climate change, provide clean energy, monitor ocean health, and heal and protect our aquatic habitats from the mountains to the sea.
Taking place this weekend (Friday, May 5 and Saturday, May 6), this Newfoundland and Labrador competition is part of a network of 26 regional events worldwide. Winners of the provincial event will attend the international MATE ROV competition in Longmont, Colorado from June 22-24, 2023. Eastern Edge Robotics, comprised of post-secondary students representing Memorial University and Marine Institute, will compete in the explorer class at the international event this year.
The goal of the MATE ROV competition is to encourage youth to become more involved in ocean science and technology, providing industry with skilled individuals who can fill workforce needs in the future. As exemplified by the success of companies such as Kraken Robotics, and initiatives such as the Ocean Supercluster, the ocean technology industry is growing and building a stronger economy in Newfoundland and Labrador. The School of Ocean Technology at the Fisheries and Marine Institute of Memorial University is the only post-secondary facility in the country to offer remotely operated vehicles training. The school also offers a diploma and graduate programs in Ocean Mapping and oversees the institute’s Leadership Certificate, Bachelor of Technology and Master of Technology Management programs.
Quotes
“Ocean tech plays such an important role in our economy, and this competition shines a light on opportunities for young people in this sector. By building the skills required to successfully undertake innovative research and development activities, these students are gaining valuable hands-on learning experiences. Thanks to the team at the Marine Institute’s School of Ocean Technology for hosting, and helping these students as they prepare to play a leading role in our ocean industries and the blue economy. I wish you all the best of luck this weekend.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC
Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology
“I wish all students and their teams the best of luck as they make final preparations to participate in this annual competition. Students have the opportunity to explore the burgeoning ocean sciences and technology sectors, which could steer their career path heading into post-secondary education. I commend the Fisheries and Marine Institute for fostering this program and demonstrating an innovative approach to education for students in junior and senior high.”
Honourable John Haggie
Minister of Education
-30-
Learn more
MATE ROV competition
Follow us on Twitter @GovNL, @IET_GovNL and @EDU_GovNL