MAY 24TH
SAVE THE DATE 2026

Ottawa Robotics
Competition

Grades 4–12   |   Autonomous Robotics Challenges

ABOUT THE EVENT

Inspiring Innovators for Decades

The IEEE Ottawa Robotics Competition (ORC) is a flagship STEM initiative led by volunteers since 2003. It encourages students from Grades 4 to 12 to design, build, and program autonomous robots using LEGO® Mindstorms or Arduino-based systems to tackle real engineering challenges.

Why Students Should Participate

Hands-on Engineering

Participants apply theory to mechanical design and programming logic, mirroring real-world projects.

Teamwork & Leadership

Teams develop collaboration and leadership skills while learning to present and defend their ideas.

Early STEM Exposure

ORC introduces fields like robotics, AI, and automation, helping explore potential career paths early.

Problem-Solving

Students learn to iterate, test, fail, and improve—exactly how innovation happens in the real world.

Benefits Beyond the Competition

The impact of ORC extends well beyond the event day:

  • Stronger academic performance in STEM through applied learning.
  • Enhanced university applications with meaningful experience.
  • Professional mindset development and technical communication.
  • Networking opportunities with engineers and industry mentors.

A Launchpad for Future Innovators

Whether you are a beginner or an aspiring engineer, ORC is your chance to build, compete, and discover your potential.

LIMITED QUANTITY

Get a Free ORC T-Shirt! 👕

Register for the 2026 Competition before May 3rd and receive an exclusive IEEE Ottawa Robotics Competition T-shirt at no extra cost.

1
Choose Your Tier

Select your preferred registration category from the options below.

2
Complete Payment

Finalize your payment by May 3rd to secure your free shirt.

Ottawa Robotics Competition Action

FINAL STEP

Ready to build, compete, and discover your potential?

Don’t miss Ottawa's longest-running student robotics event. Slots are filling fast for the 2026 season. Get mentorship from IEEE volunteers and tackle real engineering challenges.

PREPARATION & MENTORSHIP

Open Build & Mentorship Sessions

Get hands-on help from IEEE mentors. These sessions are designed to help teams debug code, refine mechanical builds, and prepare for competition day.

WORK PERIOD 1

April 25th, 2026

10:00 AM — 2:00 PM • Algonquin College, Room T102

REGISTER
WORK PERIOD 2

May 9th, 2026

10:00 AM — 2:00 PM • Algonquin College, Room T207

REGISTER
THE CREW

MEET THE TEAM

Rim Cherif
Chair
Rim Cherif LinkedIn
Professor, Algonquin College, PhD
Strategic Planning
Rawiya Mahveen
Patronage Lead
Rawiya Mahveen LinkedIn
4th-Year IT Student, Optical Systems
Operations & Oversight
Emmanuel Eyito
Logistic Lead
Emmanuel Eyito LinkedIn
3rd-Year IT Student, Optical Systems
Event Logistics
Winny Kameni
Operations Lead
Winny Kameni LinkedIn
4th-Year IT Student, Optical Systems
Executive Coordination
Robert Conrad
Micro-E Team Lead
Robert Conrad LinkedIn
Computer & Software Engineer
Micro-Electronics Lead
Mark Vanderkloot
Lego Team Lead
Mark Vanderkloot LinkedIn
A/Technical Advisor, Health Canada
LEGO Competition Lead

OUR NETWORK

Sponsors

Interested in supporting the next generation of engineers?

BECOME A SPONSOR

HOSTED BY

GET INVOLVED

Support the next generation

We are looking for enthusiastic students and professionals to help us run the 2026 competition. Register below to join our volunteer crew!