Robo Marathon Competition
Race It. Win It
West Africa’s Premier Autonomous Robot Racing Competition
Robo Marathon is a high-impact robotics competition designed to showcase cutting-edge local innovation in autonomous robotics. The competition brings together innovators, startups, companies, research institutions, universities, and robotics teams to compete in a live race where autonomous robots navigate a designated course, demonstrating speed, intelligence, precision, and reliability.
More than a competition, Robo Marathon is a platform to showcase breakthrough local technologies, connect with industry leaders, gain visibility, and compete for exciting prizes before a live audience at the Founders Fair.
Who Can Apply?
Applications are open to organizations and teams with a fully built autonomous robot, including:
- Robotics startups
- Technology companies
- University research centres and laboratories
- Engineering teams
- Independent robotics teams
- Innovation hubs and research institutions
Eligibility Requirements
To participate, applicants must:
- Have a fully built and operational autonomous robot.
- Submit a completed application form.
- Provide a robot demonstration video and technical specification sheet.
- Meet the competition’s technical and safety requirements.
- Be available for the technical assessment and qualifying rounds.
Competition Format
- Application & Review: Applications are reviewed to assess eligibility, technical readiness, and competition requirements.
- Technical Assessment: Shortlisted teams will demonstrate their robots during a technical evaluation to verify functionality, safety, and readiness for the competition.
- Grand Finale: Shortlisted teams will compete live during the Founders Fair, where the fastest and best-performing robot will be crowned the Robo Marathon Champion.
Judging Criteria
Robots will be evaluated based on:
- Speed and course completion
- Navigation accuracy
- Obstacle detection and avoidance
- Reliability and consistency
- Technical innovation
- Safety and operational performance
Why Participate?
Participants will enjoy:
- Cash prizes of up to ₦10 million for top-performing teams
- Championship trophy and medals for the top-performing teams
- Certificates of participation and achievement
- National and international visibility
- Exhibition space to showcase their robots during the Founders Fair
- Networking opportunities with investors, industry leaders, and technology partners
- Potential partnership and commercial opportunities
- Recognition as one of Africa’s leading robotics innovators
Ready to Race?
Think your robot has what it takes?
Apply today and compete with some of the most innovative robotics teams while showcasing your technology on one of Africa’s biggest innovation stages.