Andorra Hosts Third European Open Robotics Competition with Record 38 Teams

Andorra Telecom will host the third European Open Andorra robotics competition on March 20 and 21 at the Aldosa pavilion in La Massana. The VEX educational event, backed by the REC Foundation, draws teams from nine countries—Andorra, Czech Republic, Finland, France, Kazakhstan, Romania, Spain, Turkey and the United Kingdom—to promote STEAM skills among students from primary school through baccalaureate.

This year's edition features marked growth with 38 teams and nearly 200 participants across two divisions. The IQ category includes 16 teams and 70 students from fifth- and sixth-year primary and first- and second-year ESO levels. The V5 division has 22 teams and 124 entrants from third- and fourth-year ESO and first- and second-year baccalaureate.

Inés Martí, Andorra Telecom's corporate social responsibility manager, noted that the competition teaches programming, robot design and construction while building creative problem-solving and collaboration. She said it strengthens local STEAM vocations and highlights Andorran youth on the global stage.

The event kicks off Saturday with an opening ceremony at 9:30am, followed by qualifying rounds. On Sunday, doors open at 8:30am for additional qualifiers, finals and a prize ceremony at 12:30pm. Categories include teamwork, skills, design, innovation, construction, judges' choice and excellence.

Staffing comprises five referees, two judges and 14 volunteers. Technical partner Aula Tecnològica Loopa works alongside Andorra Recerca i Innovació, Innova't and Nexta Hotels.

Andorra has held direct nation status in VEX since the 2018/19 season. Andorra Telecom backs the top three global educational robotics programs—First Lego League, World Robot Olympiad and VEX—to support youth innovation and education.