A team of engineering students from King Abdulaziz University (KAU), supported by Johnson Controls Arabia (JCA), has secured seventh place among 35 university teams at the MATE ROV World Championship 2026 in Canada, becoming the first university team from the Gulf to reach this stage of the international underwater robotics competition.
The students designed and built an advanced remotely operated underwater vehicle (ROV) and its control system before representing Saudi Arabia against leading university teams from around the world. JCA supported the team throughout its development journey.
The MATE ROV World Championship brings together university teams to design, build and operate underwater robots capable of addressing real-world marine engineering and ocean exploration challenges. The competition is recognized for developing engineering, problem-solving and entrepreneurial skills among future industry professionals.
The team’s achievement follows two years of development, during which the students refined their ROV, strengthened its control system, enhanced its engineering design and addressed technical and project challenges. Their performance earned them a place among the world’s leading university teams and highlighted the capabilities of Saudi engineering talent on the global stage.
The milestone comes as marine technologies continue to play a growing role in supporting economic growth and innovation. As Saudi Arabia’s largest port city, Jeddah serves as a strategic gateway for regional and international trade, while remotely operated underwater vehicles are increasingly used for underwater infrastructure inspection, offshore maintenance, scientific research and environmental monitoring. Developing local expertise in these technologies supports the Kingdom’s emerging blue economy.
JCA said it has engaged more than 10,000 students through educational partnerships, factory visits, hackathons and technical learning initiatives at the YORK Manufacturing Complex. The programs form part of the company’s corporate social responsibility and sustainability strategy, including the Future Industrialists Initiative, aimed at developing the next generation of Saudi engineers and innovators.
