In a landmark achievement for technological education, Antigua and Barbuda has secured a podium finish at the premier OECS Super Regional Robotics Challenge 2026. The historic event, hosted in St. Kitts, united young innovators from across the Caribbean basin under the ambitious theme of “Innovating for a Sustainable Caribbean Future.
The national delegation, comprising students Micah Matthew and Michael Harvey under the guidance of coach Tijah Myers, marked the country’s inaugural participation in this regional showcase of technological prowess. The competition was orchestrated by the Eastern Caribbean Robotics and Innovation Association in collaboration with the St. Kitts and Nevis Robotics Association.
Throughout the intensive five-day championship, eight participating territories engaged in complex robotic challenges centered on environmental sustainability. Competitors programmed autonomous robots to execute critical tasks including sargassum seaweed collection, coastal debris removal, recycling operations, and precision navigation through challenging simulated environments.
Antigua and Barbuda demonstrated remarkable technical capability during the preliminary rounds, advancing decisively to the semi-final stage. Though subsequently defeated by the eventual champions from St. Vincent and the Grenadines, the team showcased impressive resilience by bouncing back to secure third place overall with a conclusive victory over St. Lucia.
The championship finals culminated in St. Vincent and the Grenadines claiming the inaugural title following their triumph against St. Maarten.
During the closing ceremonies, Dr. Ricard O’Neill, a prominent regional robotics advocate, addressed the participants, emphasizing that the event represents merely the genesis of an expanding technological movement. Official confirmations indicate planning is already actively underway for the second edition of the competition scheduled for 2027.