Santa Cruz County's Hephaestus Robotics team captured its first world title, winning the Ranger Class at the 2026 MATE ROV World Championship in Newfoundland — besting 47 high school teams from 13 countries after back-to-back third-place finishes.

Our July 1 New Tech closed out the season with a new rotating format, six standout presenters, riverside networking, raffle prizes, and a packed house at River Row. See you September 9!

The Hephaestus Robotics Team, a 25-member high school team in the Santa Cruz COE X Academy Robotics Clubs, earned first place in the Ranger Class at the 2026 MATE Monterey Bay Regional ROV Competition on Saturday, April 25, securing a spot at the 2026 MATE ROV World Championship on June 25-27, 2026.

The MATE Monterey Bay Regional ROV Competition will be Saturday, April 25 from 10:00 to 4:00 PM at Watsonville High School pool where students across the region will showcase their remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) performing real-world mission tasks.

The Santa Cruz COE and X Academy are excited to invite your students to their 2025–26 Robotics Club Open Houses.

"Support Santa Cruz robotics team's journey to the ROV World Championship! Help propel young engineers to international success in underwater exploration. Donate today and make waves!"

JUNE GLOOM? No way! Join us at the June New Tech for Checkerspot, Earth.Island, Stakabl, Swell Cycle Surfboards, The Floow, X Academy, and more.

X Academy underwater robotics team had an amazing day last weekend at the MATE Regional Competition and qualified for the World Championships! But they need your help.