From September 4 to 6, Krakow, Poland will once again host the European Rover Challenge (ERC), the largest international Martian rover competition, held at AGH University of Krakow and remotely.
Founded by Lukasz Wilczynski, the event is organised by the European Space Foundation with AGH University as co-organiser. It is free to the public and brings together the scientific, educational and business space rover communities. It also features an interdisciplinary conference with experts from global space industry organisations, where I will deliver a keynote on Commercial New Space as well as host a fireside chat with a special guest from ESA.
The numbers tell the story. 124 teams from 29 countries applied. 25 rovers made the final cut for the on-site competition, joined by additional teams competing remotely. Turkiye led applications with 22 teams, two of which reached the final, alongside five Polish teams.
Finalists will present Mars rovers performing complex tasks inspired by real planetary missions. The competition unfolds on the Marsyard, a purpose-built track of nearly 900 m² whose topography faithfully reproduces the geological conditions of Valles Marineris, the great Martian canyon.
Last year’s winner was the Swiss team @EPFL Xplore, representing the @Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne, which achieved the highest overall score and impressed the jury with the precision and innovativeness of its design.
The organisers describe ERC as a platform integrating science, technology and education on a practical level, with tasks designed for realism so participants develop the competencies the space sector will demand. There is also an astrobiology competition, in which teams must detect and verify whether life, or the chemical compounds necessary for its origin, could once have existed at a given location.
For visitors, it is a rare chance to see advanced rovers in action, explore the latest in robotics, AI and space exploration, and meet scientists and engineers from around the world. Expect competitions, lectures, an exhibitor zone and educational attractions for all ages, plus a relaxation zone hosted by the city of Krakow near the main Martian installation.
ERC remains one of the largest events of its kind worldwide. Beyond technical skills, participants discover pathways into the expanding New Space economy, where rover innovations today can become commercial ventures tomorrow.
International space robotics competition & conference
Conference Schedule