UIU MARINER ranks 5th globally, tops Asia in underwater robotics

The UIU MARINER team from United International University (UIU) has made history as the first Bangladeshi university team to place in the global top five at the MATE ROV World Championship 2025 in the Pioneer Class, held from June 12 to 17 at the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary in Alpena, Michigan, USA.

Competing against teams from the USA, Canada, Egypt, and Mexico, the UIU MARINER secured 5th place globally, 1st place in Asia, and the prestigious Technical Documentation Champion title for their exceptional submission—scoring a near-perfect 81 out of 100.

Organised by the Marine Technology Society, USA, the championship evaluated university teams in eight categories: Product Demonstration, Engineering Presentation, Technical Documentation, Marketing Display, Collaborative Mission, Company Specification, Corporate Responsibility, and Safety.

UIU MARINER was formed by the Advanced Underwater Robotics and Automation (AURA) crew of UIU. Their custom-built Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) impressed judges in both technical quality and innovation.

A ten-member team represented Bangladesh in the final, led by Project Manager Anika Tabassum Orchi and Head of R&D Farhan Zaman, both from the Department of CSE. The team was supervised by Professor Emeritus Dr M Rezwan Khan (EEE), Prof Dr A.K.M. Muzahidul Islam (CSE), and Lecturers Mr Fahim Hafiz and Mr Saifur Rahman (CSE).

"This success marks a proud moment not only for UIU but for all of Bangladesh," said Prof Dr A.K.M. Muzahidul Islam. "It proves that our youth can compete and win on the global stage with ingenuity, grit and hard work."

Thirteen global finalist teams competed in the PIONEER Class this year, showcasing robotics solutions designed to address underwater environmental challenges. UIU MARINER's final score of 377 points secured their standout position.