The European Rover Challenge (ERC) is the most important European competition in space robotics that brings together students and recent graduates from universities in over 30 countries each year, tasked with designing, building, and evolving their rovers on a “simulated” Mars field. Where and when: The 11th edition will take place from August 29 to 31, 2025, at the AGH University of Science and Technology in Krakow, transformed for the occasion into a true “Mars Yard” with rocks, craters, and reddish sands: a geologically realistic environment to test the vehicles developed by student teams. What happens on the field: • Technical tests inspired by NASA/ESA missions: from soil sampling and sample collection to emergency maneuvers and repairs. • Autonomy and reliability: the rovers must move, orient themselves, and communicate independently, utilizing navigation algorithms and computer vision.

The expert jury, composed of aerospace engineers and researchers, will evaluate not only the performance but also the technical documentation and the scientific approach. Participants: Over 20 teams from universities around the world will compete in two categories: On-site, at the venue in Krakow, and Remote, where meetings and trials take place online. The 2025 edition promises a high variety of engineering solutions and cultural diversity. STEM Area & Conference: Concurrent with the competition, the ERC offers: • STEM Exhibit & Inspiration Zone: hands-on workshops, demonstrations, and public workshops to engage young people and enthusiasts with science and space technology. • Conferences with experts and entrepreneurs in the space industry, covering topics such as planetary exploration, technological innovation, and career opportunities. The ERC is not just a competition, but a unique opportunity to bring together academic talent and the industrial world, promoting collaborations and future projects. See you in Krakow to experience a taste of ‘Mars’ in Europe!