Montreal Robotics Competition Celebrates 25 Years

Twenty-five years ago, a group of educators noticed something missing: accessible robotics competitions where students could truly shine. Today, that vision has blossomed into CRC Robotics, Canada's bilingual premier student competition that's inspired thousands of young people to become confident creators and problem-solvers.

From February 18 to 21, 2026, over 25 teams of high school and CEGEP students will gather at St. Pius X Career Centre in Montreal for MØ-DUEL 2026. They'll showcase months of hard work designing robots that can strategically repair, exchange, and deploy wooden turbofan engine modules in intense five-minute matches.

But this isn't just about robots. The competition celebrates a holistic approach to learning that weaves together programming, multimedia design, and the arts into one exciting experience.

Students also tackle real-world programming challenges, create kiosk presentations showcasing their team branding, and compete in website and video contests. It's a chance to flex creative muscles alongside technical skills.

Founded in 2001 and now run by the non-profit Educational Alliance for Science and Technology (EAST), CRC Robotics has grown from filling a gap to creating a movement. The program welcomes students from coast to coast, offering experiences in both French and English.

The competition even includes a Junior Division for elementary and early high school students. These younger participants get age-appropriate challenges that spark curiosity and let them explore robotics before diving into the deep end.

The Ripple Effect

What makes CRC Robotics special isn't just the technical skills students gain. It's watching curious beginners transform into confident leaders who can tackle complex problems with teamwork and creativity.

"Year after year, we watch students transform from curious beginners into confident creators and problem-solvers," said Natasha Vitale, Director-General of EAST. This year's theme, developed with title sponsor FTAI Aviation, connects classroom learning to real-world aviation challenges.

The competition's fair and inclusive format ensures every student gets meaningful feedback and mentorship from experienced judges. Teams travel from Vancouver to Sherbrooke, from LaSalle to Verdun, representing the diversity of Canadian innovation.

For 25 years, these young innovators have proven that when imagination meets opportunity, incredible things happen.