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Pioneer-Classes
Pioneer-Circle

Compete in the PIONEER class.

The PIONEER class is recommended for first time technical and community colleges, as well as first time four-year universities. PIONEER class teams must create a complex vehicle and have a deep understanding of electronics, electricity, waterproofing canisters, and other technology. 

Eligibility

  • Participation in the PIONEER class is open to students in technical and community colleges as well as four-year universities competing for the first time. Note that “first time” is defined as: 
    • 75% of students on the team have not competed previously;
      and/or
    • the institution has never fielded a team before
  • The intention of the PIONEER class is to encourage, support, and sustain technical and community college and university team participation in the MATE ROV Competition. To that end, the MATE ROV Competition will consider permitting first-time teams to compete in PIONEER a second year before advancing to the EXPLORER class. Teams interested in competing for a second year in the PIONEER class must contact the MATE ROV Competition by December 31 of the previous competition year.
  • Teams of mixed college/university and high school students are allowed to participate in the PIONEER class provided that the high school students:
    • Are enrolled in classes at the college or university
    • Do not make up more than 25% of the team
    • No students or instructors/mentors have participated in the MATE ROV Competition previously.
  • Students from technical and community college teams who transfer to a four-year university may continue to participate as part of their community college team in the PIONEER class for one additional year.

 Number of Teams

  • Only one team per school is permitted

Mission Tasks & Specs

The following are links to all of the information needed regarding mission tasks and specs. 

Scoring

2025 Scoring Guide

  • Company Spec Sheet
  • 2025 Corporate Responsibility Score Sheet
  • Product Demonstration
  • Technical Documentation
    • Technical Documentation Supplemental Information
  • Marketing Display
  • Engineering Presentation
    • Scoring Rubric for Technical Documentation and Engineering Presentation
  • Initial Safety Inspection sheet
  • On-Site Safety Inspection sheet
  • LASER Safety Inspection sheet
  • NRD (Non-ROV Device) Inspection sheet
  • 2025 Safety Tutorial
    • 2025 SAFETY BRIEFING.mp4 on Vimeo

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