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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.

Cycle Two Challenges

Challenges Open: Thu, Jan 15, 2026 2:00 PM CST
Challenges Close: Wed, Feb 18, 2026 2:00 PM CST
Robotics Participant feeds game elements into a robot

Create a Game Element Challenge: CAD Challenge

Team participates in a VEX V5 Robotics Competition

Game Design Challenge: The Upcycling Effect

Team wearing costumes poses with robot

Show Your Spark: Meme My Team Challenge

Cycle Three Challenges

Challenges Open: Thu, Jan 15, 2026 2:00 PM CST
Challenges Close: Wed, Feb 18, 2026 2:00 PM CST
Team competes in VEX V5 Robotics Competition

A3 Robot Safety Award – Sponsored by the Association for Advancing Automation

Team competes in robotics event

Girl Powered Challenge: Leadership in STEM Challenge

Mentor works with a student

RECF Community Challenge

Team gathered around a laptop

VEXcode VR Virtual Skills 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