Quintana Roo to Host WRO Mexico 2026, Boosting Educational Robotics and STEAM

Chetumal, Mexico — Quintana Roo will host the state, national, and international stages of the World Robot Olympiad (WRO) Mexico 2026, officials announced, positioning the state as a hub for educational robotics and STEAM learning.

The Quintana Roo Council of Humanities, Sciences, and Technologies (COQHCYT) presented the competition, which aims to ensure universal and inclusive access to science and technology for youth. Educational robotics is now a key strategy for academic development, promoting active learning through the STEAM methodology—Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics.

This initiative is part of the New Agreement for Well-being and Development of Quintana Roo, led by Governor Mara Lezama Espinosa, which seeks to transform the state through public policies focused on social welfare, substantive equality, and strengthening scientific and technological capabilities. The project promotes equitable access to technological tools, reducing educational gaps and creating real opportunities for young people to develop key future skills.

Who Participates in WRO Mexico 2026?

Robotics and Science Clubs, made up of children and youth aged 8 to 19, will participate in the competition. They will test their knowledge through:

• Specialized workshops
• Practical activities
• Technological challenges
• Collaborative and creative work

These activities foster logical, computational, and scientific reasoning, as well as problem-solving from an early age.

STEAM Methodology: Practical Learning and Innovation

Participants will develop creativity, innovation, and teamwork by applying the STEAM methodology through designing, building, and programming robotic prototypes. This educational approach allows youth to learn by doing, strengthen critical thinking, and prepare for present and future technological and scientific challenges.

State, National, and International Stages in Quintana Roo

WRO Mexico 2026 will take place in three stages:

1. State stage
2. National stage
3. International stage

Dates, venues, categories, and participation requirements will be announced promptly through COQHCYT’s official social media channels to provide clear and timely information to interested clubs.

Quintana Roo as an International Reference in Educational Robotics

Quintana Roo already has notable achievements in this competition. In 2025, during the International Final held in Panama, students from CONALEP Cancún II and the Planetario Yook’ol Kaab achieved outstanding positions in the Future Innovators category, establishing the state as a reference in technological education.

COQHCYT Director General Cristopher Malpica Morales emphasized the importance of promoting Educational Robotics projects that foster active learning, innovation, and scientific thinking as a way to strengthen the integral development of youth and local talent in Quintana Roo.