Robotics Education & Competition Foundation logo

Important Update

May 10, 2026
Participant celebrates victory at the VEX Robotics World Championship

For nearly twenty years, the Robotics Education & Competition Foundation (RECF) has worked in close partnership with VEX Robotics to build a strong foundation for STEM education and competitive robotics.

We are incredibly proud of what has been accomplished together and the impact this work has had on students, educators, and communities around the world.

As we look ahead, RECF is entering an exciting new phase—one that reflects a broader, more independent, and diversified approach to serving our community.

At our core, we believe that robotics, drones, and workforce development opportunities should be accessible, inclusive, and responsive to a rapidly evolving landscape. As educational technologies continue to expand, we are committed to supporting a wider range of pathways and solutions that best serve learners and educators—including:

  • Continued engagement with VEX Robotics products
  • 3D printing options for robotics and drones
  • Expanded hardware choices for robotics and drones
  • School and non-profit focused competitions
  • Event Partner grants

To our students, partners, and volunteers: you are the foundation of this work. Your passion, creativity, and commitment continue to inspire us, and we are excited to build what comes next—together.

The RECF’s robotics competition season will open June 1, 2026. Please stay tuned for updates on RECF.org, the RECF Library, and emails from your RECF Regional Support Manager. Thank you for your ongoing support as we move into this next chapter. We look forward to sharing more soon.

2025-2026 Signature Event Updates

  1. An Event Partner wanting to apply to host a Signature Event must have hosted events for at least 2 seasons prior to applying. 
  2. Signature Events must use the officially branded award banners for the Excellence Award and Tournament/Teamwork Champions Award.
  3. When hanging field skirts the VEX Robotics logo/brand name can not be covered up on the competition fields.
  4. VEX V5 Robotics Competition Signature Events may have regional capacity and max per organization restrictions lifted 8 weeks before the event if the event is not full (similar to the process already in place for VEX IQ Robotics Competition Signature Events).
  5. Minimum pit size reduced to 8’x 8’ instead of 10’x10’.
  6. Beginning in the 2025-2026 season, the REC Foundation will collect $10 instead of $5 per team registration on all Signature Events. This is to help offset travel costs for REC Foundation staff to support these larger events.

2025-2026 Signature Event Application Reminders

  1. Existing Signature Events only need to complete the Final Application (due by March 31, 2025)
  2. New Signature Event concepts will need to complete the Initial Proposal by January 31, 2025 and if approved, complete the Final Application by March 31, 2025.
Crowd watches the Signature Event in Minnesota's Mall of America
VEX Robotics World Championship logo