UPDATE MATE ROV Competition - COVID-19/Corona Virus

Dear MATE ROV Competition Community – students, mentors, parents, judges, and volunteers,

After careful consideration of the actions and recommendations of national and international health authorities and other governmental entities, as well as feedback from a number of members from the MATE II Community, the MATE II Board has made the decision to cancel all 2020 MATE ROV Competition events, including U.S. and international regionals and the MATE World Championship. Given the fluid situation and spread of the novel corona virus (COVID-19), we feel that this decision is in the best interest of the health and safety of the MATE competition community world-wide. It was not an easy decision, but one that is aligned with the “social responsibility” of this year’s theme. 

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR YOUR REGIONAL EVENT?

Again, ALL events are cancelled and registration is now closed. 

WILL MATE ISSUE REFUNDS TO TEAMS?

Yes, we are working through that process with ACTIVE and will communicate details to you by March 25^th.  

STUDENTS HAVE BEEN WORKING SO HARD - HOW CAN WE RECOGNIZE THEM FOR THEIR EFFORTS?

We agree and know that this is disappointing and emotionally difficult news; in this anxious time we know many are aching for some sense of normalcy.  However, health and safety overwhelm all other issues. We thank you in advance for your patience as we brainstorm ideas and evaluate them against one another, just as we ask you to do when designing and building your ROV.    

WILL THE THEME/MISSION TASKS CHANGE NEXT YEAR?

We do not anticipate changing the theme or mission tasks for 2021 at present, but will announce next year’s missions consistent with our usual schedule (September 2020).

WILL THE 2021 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP STILL BE HELD AT VILLANOVA?

That has yet to be determined. 

Again, this was not an easy decision.  We remain committed to this year’s tagline:  EXCITE, EDUCATE, and EMPOWER students to engineer solutions to global problems.  We will continue to inspire, challenge, and grow our global community of learners, all the while mindful of its health and safety. 

We realize that you likely have additional questions.  Please bear with us as we continue to work through the situation.  We’ll have additional information and updates out to the community ASAP.

Thank you!

Jill Zande
MATE II President/Executive Director
MATE Center Associate Director