Student Robotics Competition An initiative of AUB Mediterraneo and Development Agency Paphos Aphrodite LTD with the support of the Municipality of Pafos
Pafos, Cyprus – October 27, 2025: The first large-scale Student Robotics Competition held at Pafos Harbour on Sunday, October 26, brought together dozens of young innovators from schools across Cyprus, marking a milestone moment for the city’s growing technology and education scene.
The event, officially titled the Pafos Robotics Challenge, was jointly organized by the American University of Beirut - Mediterraneo (AUB Mediterraneo) and The Development Agency Paphos Aphrodite LTD (ANETPA), with the support of the Municipality of Pafos. AUB Mediterraneo served as the exclusive academic co-organizer, leading the academic design and evaluation of the competition
The challenge invited participants in two age categories, the Primary School Track (ages 9–12) and the Secondary School Track (ages 13–18) to design and program robots inspired by this year’s theme, “The Ocean.” The projects showcased how robotics and creativity can be used to address real-world environmental issues and promote awareness of marine sustainability.
Winners received gift vouchers, medals, and certifications from AUB Mediterraneo, while the first and second-place graduating senior students were awarded an 80% tuition scholarship to AUB Mediterraneo (subject to entry requirements). Every student who took part received a participation medal in recognition of their creativity and effort.
“The Pafos Robotics Challenge was a day for young students to bring ideas to life,” said Dr. Rafael Papallas, Assistant Professor at the Department of Computer Science at AUB Mediterraneo. “By building and programming robots, they sharpened their critical thinking and transformed concepts from mathematics, physics, and programming into real, working creations that tackle real-world challenges. It was a celebration of teamwork, sportsmanship, and innovation, proudly inspiring the next generation of creators.”
The Pafos Robotics Challenge was implemented within the framework of the “Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Programme 2021–2027,” co-funded by the European Union through the Local Development Strategy of ANETPA.
Reflecting the city’s vision, the competition highlighted how education and innovation can come together to position Pafos as a hub for creativity, learning, and technology in Cyprus and beyond.
