1.1 Eligibility & Qualifying

Click here to find out more about ways to qualify for the International SeaPerch Challenge.

1.1.1 Eligibility

Open to elementary school, middle school, and high school aged students.

1.1.2 Qualifying at Regional Competitions

Compete and win in a regional competition to qualify for the International SeaPerch Challenge. Regional competitions are planned, hosted, and executed by local SeaPerch advocates, mentors, and regional coordinators. Each registered regional competition is allocated a set number of qualifier spaces for the International SeaPerch Challenge.

A list of Regional Events for the 2026 SeaPerch Season will be posted after November 1, 2025. Participation requirements and competition tasks for regional events vary.

SeaPerch competitions are hosted annually by volunteer coordinators around the world. These events range from local exposition events to regional competitions that allocate qualifying spaces for top teams to compete at the annual International SeaPerch Challenge.

1.1.3 Qualifying as a Wild Card Team

An alternative opportunity for teams to qualify for the International SeaPerch Challenge is to apply for a Wild Card invitation. This opportunity is open to any interested teams, including teams who compete in a regional competition. Priority for Wild Card spots will be given to teams who do not have access to a regional competition.

In the Wild Card application, teams must prepare:

• a brief overview of their SeaPerch ROV design

• a short statement about what participation at the International Challenge means to them

• a nonrefundable $10 application fee

Applications must be answered in student team members’ own words.

The Wild Card application will open December 1, 2025, and close on February 1, 2026. Teams that have been awarded an invitation will be notified by February 11, 2026. The Wild Card application link can be found on the SeaPerch Season website.