The excitement of innovation and technology was palpable at the First Lego League (FLL) Euskadi competition held in Vitoria-Gasteiz, where two teams from Alava earned their spots at the national finals. This year, the event attracted over 2,800 students from 60 educational centers across the Basque Country, making it the largest edition yet.
The teams representing Alava, Legokide of Urkide and Tecno Bots from Elburgo, stood out among the 170 teams participating. Their performance secured them participation in the upcoming national finals taking place on March 29 in Ferrol. Should they excel there, they could represent Spain at the world finals happening from April 16 to 19, 2025, in Houston, Texas.
This edition of the FLL Euskadi was organized by the University of Deusto, Mondragon Unibertsitatea, and UPV/EHU, with support from the Basque Innovation Agency, Innobasque. The competition took advantage of simultaneous venues; apart from Vitoria-Gasteiz, events were also hosted in Bilbao, Donostia, and Mondragón, allowing for broad participation and collaboration.
The central theme for this year’s challenge was “SUBMERGED,” focusing on ocean exploration and the development of innovative solutions to address environmental challenges. The competition featured two categories: Explore, aimed at children ages 6 to 9, and Challenge, directed at youngsters aged 10 to 16.
Participants faced various tasks, including building motorized Lego models and designing posters to present innovative solutions. The Challenge category required teams to design and program robots capable of overcoming specific tests. They also created innovation projects to solve pressing real-world problems.
Winning innovation projects addressed significant issues concerning marine ecosystems. Among the standout ideas were:
- A new ecological suit for divers made from biodegradable materials, minimizing risks associated with decompression sickness.
- A underwater communication kit, enhancing diver safety and efficiency.
- A submarine drone equipped with advanced cameras and sensors to assess water clarity before diver excursions.
- Transforming the decommissioned Lemoniz nuclear power plant area to create a live research center for deep-sea exploration.
- Innovative buoys capable of detecting harmful algal blooms, which are particularly detrimental to shellfish harvesting along the Galician coast.
Such creativity and initiative presented by the competitors underline the importance of fostering science and technology among youth, aligning with the overarching goals of the FLL to encourage innovation today for a sustainable tomorrow. The FLL Euskadi event does not only serve as a competitive platform but also inspires young minds to think critically and inventively about resolving global challenges.
The competitive spirit was palpable as local supporters joined to cheer on their teams. The atmosphere was filled with encouragement, excitement, and the undeniable buzz of youthful ambition. Many attendees reflected on how inspiring it was to witness the next generation take proactive steps toward addressing significant societal and environmental issues through technology.
With the national competition on the horizon, all eyes are on Legokide and Tecno Bots to see how they will perform. Their upcoming challenge at the national finals will not only be about winning but also about showcasing the remarkable skills and innovative ideas cultivated through their hard work and dedication during the rigorous preparation for this event.
FLL Euskadi’s approach to blending education with practical challenges exemplifies the bright future of STEM education. It encourages young students to embrace technology and innovation, inspiring them to contribute significantly to society. Teams like those from Urkide and Elburgo serve as reminders of how perseverance and creativity can drive change, placing them at the heart of this pivotal educational movement.