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Wence Lopez

About
STEM Hall of Fame profile picture for Wence Lopez inducted in 2009.

Wence Lopez is Executive Director of the Puerto Rico Institute of Robotics (PRIOR), a non-profit center that provides intensive Robotics/STEM programs for K-16 students where technology is integrated with theory and practice. Since its inception, PRIOR has been training students and developing world robotics champions. Participants are placed at the forefront of technology, in addition they improve academically, develop professional, leadership, and teamwork skills and stand out worldwide.

PRIOR is the first organization to implement a robotics program. In 2011, NASA officially named PRIOR as an ally to implement STEM programs in Puerto Rico, this provides the opportunity to increase the participation of more Puerto Ricans to support space exploration. In addition to NASA, PRIOR has developed an educational alliance with different entities, including: Universities, Department of Education, industrial sector, PRIDCO and various government sectors.

Wence Lopez was named Volunteer of the Year at the 2009 VEX Robotics World Championship.

Details

Award: Volunteer of the Year
Year: 2009
Title: Director
Organization: PRIOR
Location: Puerto Rico
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2025-2026 Signature Event Updates

  1. An Event Partner wanting to apply to host a Signature Event must have hosted events for at least 2 seasons prior to applying. 
  2. Signature Events must use the officially branded award banners for the Excellence Award and Tournament/Teamwork Champions Award.
  3. When hanging field skirts the VEX Robotics logo/brand name can not be covered up on the competition fields.
  4. VEX V5 Robotics Competition Signature Events may have regional capacity and max per organization restrictions lifted 8 weeks before the event if the event is not full (similar to the process already in place for VEX IQ Robotics Competition Signature Events).
  5. Minimum pit size reduced to 8’x 8’ instead of 10’x10’.
  6. Beginning in the 2025-2026 season, the REC Foundation will collect $10 instead of $5 per team registration on all Signature Events. This is to help offset travel costs for REC Foundation staff to support these larger events.

2025-2026 Signature Event Application Reminders

  1. Existing Signature Events only need to complete the Final Application (due by March 31, 2025)
  2. New Signature Event concepts will need to complete the Initial Proposal by January 31, 2025 and if approved, complete the Final Application by March 31, 2025.
Crowd watches the Signature Event in Minnesota's Mall of America
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Robot Shipping Option
Freeman is our shipping partner for the VEX Robotics World Championship. Teams choosing to ship should ensure that their robots arrive on or AFTER May 5, 2025 to the Kay…
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Volunteer | VEX Robotics World Championship
WE NEED PASSIONATE VOLUNTEERS LIKE YOU TO POWER THE VEX ROBOTICS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP! Whether you participate solo or with a group of friends, family, or coworkers, you’ll make a huge…