Robotics Education & Competition Foundation logo
Online Challenges Logo

What Are the RECF Online Challenges?

The RECF’s Online Challenges are creative, skill-building competitions that students can participate in from anywhere in the world. Teams explore STEM topics, develop new skills, and share their ideas with a global audience — all without stepping onto a competition field.

Why They Matter

These challenges encourage students to think beyond building and driving a robot. Online Challenges help students develop critical skills such as communication, research, design, writing, and teamwork — all of which prepare students for success in college, careers, and life.

Contact Us

Email [email protected] with any questions.

Online Challenges Cycles

2025-2026 Timeline

Visible Now
Challenges Open: September 15
Challenges Close: October 29
Winners Announced: December 10
Visible November 1
Challenges Open: January 15, 2026
Challenges Close: February 18, 2026
Winners Announced: March 4, 2026
Visible November 12
Challenges Open: January 15. 2026
Challenges Close: February 18, 2026
Winners Announced: March 4, 2026

Cycle One Challenges

Challenges Open: Mon, Sep 15, 2025 2:00 PM CDT
Challenges Close: Wed, Oct 29, 2025 2:00 PM CDT
Team works on a robot at a computer

Innovate to Elevate Challenge

Team dresses in medieval costumes

Meme My Team Challenge

Team does a synchronized jump

Team Recruitment Poster Challenge

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
VEX Robotics World Championship logo