The 9th Pancyprian Educational and Athletic Robotics Competition, Robotex Cyprus 2026, is set to be the largest edition since the COVID-19 pandemic, with over 700 registrations from teams, participants and coaches across Cyprus. The two-day event takes place on 27 and 28 June at the University of Cyprus Sports Centre and is free and open to the public.
A decade of growth
Dr. Panikos Masouras, Secretary of the Board of Directors of the Cyprus Computer Society (CCS) and President of the Robotex Cyprus Organising Committee, described the growth of the sector as "impressive." Speaking to the Cyprus News Agency (CNA), he noted that robotics has evolved from a relatively limited activity a decade ago into one of the most dynamic fields of extracurricular and non-formal education on the island, with dozens of educational centres, groups and organisations now active in robotics and STEM, Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.
Skills for the future
Beyond programming and engineering, this year's competition places emphasis on strategy, teamwork and problem-solving under real conditions. Masouras highlighted that participants develop skills directly linked to the future of work, including critical thinking, creativity, collaboration and adaptability. "Children with leadership, negotiation and presentation skills stand out," he added.
Cyprus punching above its weight internationally
Despite its size, Cyprus maintains a strong international presence in educational robotics. In 2025, the Cypriot delegation to Robotex International was the largest the country had ever sent to the event, returning with a significant number of awards across multiple competitions competing against countries such as China, India, Estonia and Italy, which have considerably larger populations and longer traditions in the field.
Pathway to Seoul
Winning teams this year will have the opportunity to represent Cyprus at Robotex International 2026, which for the first time will be held outside Estonia in Seoul, South Korea.
A call for closer cooperation
Looking ahead, Masouras called for stronger collaboration between schools, universities, businesses and the state, to sustain and build on the momentum the sector has achieved in recent years.
Source: Cyprus News Agency
