From August 29 to 31, 2025, the 11th edition of the European Rover Challenge (ERC) will take place at the AGH University of Science and Technology in Kraków. It is the largest event in Europe combining a Mars rover competition with a scientific conference and an interactive science popularization zone. The event is organized by the European Space Foundation, with AGH as a co-organizer.
ERC 2025 is an open and free event, aimed at technology enthusiasts, students, families with children, teachers, and media representatives alike.
The competition among student teams will take place in both on-site and remote formats. On a specially prepared Marsyard inspired by the Valles Marineris canyon system, teams will perform tasks based on NASA and ESA missions, including autonomous navigation, sample collection, and maintenance tasks. The program will also include a new astrobiology competition focused on identifying potential signs of life or chemical compounds essential for living organisms.
In parallel with the competition, a conference will be held covering topics such as the future of Mars and Moon exploration, applications of artificial intelligence in space, commercialization of the space sector, and sustainable development. Invited speakers include:
- Dr. Philippe Ludivig (ispace Europe)
- Pieter van Beekhuizen (Bexperience)
- Dr. Krzysztof Walas (Poznan University of Technology)
- Ann Cammaro (Antarexxa Space Global)
- Dr. Piotr Dunst (Space Research Center PAS)
- Dr. Tolga Ors (New Space Consulting)
- Dr. Tibor Pacher (Puli Space Technologies Ltd.)
- Michal Brichta (Slovak Space Office)
- Anna Krzyżanowska (Danish Technological Institute)
In the STEAM zone, leaders of the space industry, startups, and research institutions will showcase the latest technologies used in space exploration. Participants will be able to engage in educational projects and talk to experts from around the world.
The event is organized by the European Space Foundation, with AGH University of Science and Technology as co-organizer. The regional partner is the Małopolskie Voivodeship, and the City of Kraków serves as the Host City. Partners for this year’s ERC edition include: the U.S. Consulate General in Kraków, the Polish Space Professionals Association (PSPA), Mars Society Poland, the Polish Space Agency, MathWorks, DPS Software, the Polish Tourism Organization, Poland Convention Bureau, and Business Center in Małopolska.
The event is held under the honorary patronage of the Minister of Science, the Minister of Education, the Marshal of the Małopolskie Voivodeship – Łukasz Smółka, and the Mayor of Kraków – Aleksander Miszalski.
The project is funded by the state budget, granted by the Minister of Education and Science under the “Social Responsibility of Science II” Program.
