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Stem Schools Challenge

Unleash Your Inner Engineer in the Ultimate Robotics Showdown

STEMLab Schools Challenge 2025

Welcome to the STEMLab Schools Challenge 2025, the most exciting robotics and coding competition for schools in South Africa! Starting in the Western Cape, this unique event offers learners the opportunity to showcase their skills in a fast-paced, thrilling battle of engineering and technology.

Event Overview

Schools are invited to enter teams of students who will design, build, and program their own robots to compete in the STEMLab Customised Schools Challenge Ring. Similar to Formula 1 racing, teams will have a day to strategize, build, and perfect their robot within competition guidelines. On the final day, teams will face off in head-to-head matches, with their creations tested for agility, innovation, and problem-solving.

Challenges Overview

STEMLab Robotics & Coding Battle
(Senior Secondary Schools)

Our advanced robot builders from senior secondary schools will face off in a thrilling one-day competition where teams will have just 24 hours to design, build, and code their battle robots. With limited time and resources, participants will push their robotics and coding skills to the limit as they prepare their bots for an epic showdown. Teams will battle head-to-head in a series of challenges to determine which robot is the most powerful and well-engineered. Only the strongest, most agile, and smartest robot will emerge victorious!

STEMLab Robotics & Coding Battle
(Primary Schools)

In this exciting one-day event, junior robot builders from primary schools will come together to build their very own battle bots. With just 24 hours to design, construct, and program their robots, young coders and engineers will engage in hands-on learning while preparing for the ultimate showdown. Each team’s robot will face off against others in a fun and competitive series of challenges designed to test their bot’s strength, agility, and problem-solving capabilities. It’s a day of creativity, innovation, and excitement as young minds battle it out.

STEMLab Robot AI Master Builder
(Senior Schools – Individual Entry)

This prestigious challenge is open to individual students from senior secondary schools who are ready to prove their skills as a solo AI and robotics master. Participants will take on advanced robotics and artificial intelligence tasks in a one-day competition where their creativity, coding, and engineering knowledge will be put to the test. Each entrant will design, build, and code a fully functional AI-powered robot capable of completing a series of complex challenges. This is the ultimate test for those who want to showcase their individual expertise and become the STEMLab Robot AI Master Builder.

Benefits and Learning Opportunities During the Build-Up to the Challenge

The STEMLab Schools Challenge 2025 isn’t just about competition day—it’s about the valuable journey teams take leading up to the event. Throughout the preparation phase, participants will gain a range of practical skills and knowledge that will stay with them long after the challenge ends. Here’s a look at the key benefits and learning opportunities:

Skill Development

Robotics & Engineering: Students will engage in the hands-on process of designing and assembling their robots, learning the fundamentals of robotics, mechanical engineering, and systems integration.

Coding & Programming: Participants will develop their coding skills by writing and testing programs that control their robots, gaining exposure to languages such as Python or block-based coding.

Problem-Solving & Innovation: Teams will face real-world technical challenges during the build, encouraging them to think critically and creatively to develop innovative solutions

Teamwork & Leadership

Collaborative Learning: Working in teams, students will need to communicate effectively, delegate responsibilities, and collaborate to meet their goals.

 

Time Management & Planning

Project Management: Teams will learn the importance of planning and time management as they work on their robot within the given timeframe. Managing the building process, troubleshooting, and testing will be key to their success.

Knowledge Enhancement

Understanding Technology: Participants will be exposed to various components of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics), building a foundation in automation, physics, and software development.

 

Competition Readiness

Strategizing for Success: Teams will have the opportunity to simulate the competition environment, honing their strategies and testing their robots to ensure they perform optimally on challenge day.

Exposure to Future Careers

STEM Careers Insight: By participating in the challenge, learners will gain insight into potential careers in STEM fields such as engineering, computer science, robotics, and artificial intelligence, giving them a clearer vision of their future.

Confidence & Self-Esteem

Building Confidence: Each milestone during the preparation, from design to coding, boosts students’ confidence in their technical abilities and problem-solving skills.

Recognition & Achievement: Participation in a high-profile competition like the STEMLab Schools Challenge also provides recognition for hard work, motivating students to continue their learning journey.

Benefits of Participating

Hands-on Learning: Students will develop critical skills in robotics, coding, and engineering in a practical and fun environment.

Teamwork and Collaboration: Learners will enhance their teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership abilities.

Exposure to Cutting-Edge Technology: Participants will work with advanced robotics kits, fostering a deeper understanding of STEM fields.

Real-World Experience: The competition mirrors real-world robotics challenges, giving students an experience akin to professional tech competitions.

Prizes and Recognition: Teams and individuals will be recognized for their innovation, creativity, and technical excellence.

Please complete the form

 To enter your school’s team(s) into the STEMLab schools Challenge 2025.


Key Information

Who Can Enter?

Schools from across South Africa, beginning with the Western Cape, can enter one or more teams.
  • Team Composition Teams can have up to 6 students, with roles ranging from design and coding to engineering and strategy.
  • Competition Structure | Day 1: Planning and Building | Day 2: The Battle in the STEMLab schools Challenge Ring

Individual Awards

Best Design, Best Coding, and Leadership prizes

PRICES

  • 1st Place: R50,000 for the winning school
  • 2nd Place: R25,000 for the second-place school
  • 3rd Place: R10,000 for the third-place school

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Any school within South Africa can enter, starting with schools in the Western Cape. Each school can submit one or more teams.

Each team can consist of up to 6 students.

Teams will have a pre-challenge day to plan and build their robots, followed by a day of competition where they battle in the STEMLab Robo Challenge Ring.

Basic knowledge of robotics and coding is helpful, but teams will be guided through the process, allowing students of varying skill levels to participate.

First place wins R50,000, second place wins R25,000, and third place wins R10,000. There are also individual awards for standout achievements.

Schools must fill out the entry form below and submit it before the competition deadline. Entry is on a first-come, first-served basis, so apply early!

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