Students compete with their underwater robots in MATE ROV Competition

The MATE ROV Competition uses underwater robotics (aka remotely operated vehicles or ROVs) to inspire and challenge students to learn and creatively apply scientific, engineering, and technical skills to solving real-world problems.

On May 10th 2025, Gray’s Reef returned as host of the Southeast Regional MATE ROV Competition at the Chatham County Aquatics Center in Savannah, GA. The Gray’s Reef Sanctuary team, in partnership with the Gray’s Reef Foundation, were excited to lead this year’s exciting underwater robotics event.

The competition challenged middle and high school teams from across the Southeast to tackle real-world inspired missions using remotely operated vehicles (ROVs). Beyond piloting their ROVs, students created engineering documentation, passed safety checks, presented marketing displays, and were interviewed by STEM professionals.

This year’s event welcomed 14 teams and over 100 participants, plus dozens of guests and supporters. Congratulations to WhaleTech from North Paulding High School, who took first place at the RANGER level advance to the World Championship in June!

Photo credits: Hunter Coughlin