The SPRINT Robotics World Conference for Inspection & Maintenance Robotics 2025 is set to host the “RISE Thesis Pitch Challenge,” a platform designed to showcase the cutting-edge research of student innovators from around the globe.
This initiative, focusing on “Robotics, Innovation, Student Excellence” (RISE), will provide a unique opportunity for students to present their thesis work to industry leaders in the inspection and maintenance robotics sector. The challenge aims to foster the next generation of robotics professionals and drive innovation within the industry.
Open to a Worldwide Audience:
The competition is open to all students from colleges, universities, universities of applied sciences (hogescholen), and equivalent institutions worldwide, including Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD students.
Focus on Industry-Relevant Research:
Submitted research must address robotics or software solutions for activities related to inspection, maintenance, cleaning, or fabric maintenance in the oil & gas, chemicals, or energy sectors. This includes, but is not limited to:
• Inspection: Techniques for detecting corrosion, cracks, leaks, or other structural issues in pipelines, storage tanks, pressure vessels, offshore platforms, or industrial equipment.
• Maintenance: Automated or robotic solutions for predictive and preventive maintenance, repairs, or component replacement to extend the lifespan of critical infrastructure.
• Cleaning: Innovative methods for removing dirt, debris, biofouling, or hazardous substances from industrial equipment, pipelines, or processing facilities.
• Fabric Maintenance: Protective coatings, surface treatments, painting, or robotic systems designed to prevent or mitigate material degradation due to harsh environmental conditions, chemicals, or mechanical wear.
Submissions must be based on the student’s thesis research (ongoing or recently completed).
Submission Requirements:
To enter the challenge, students must provide:
• Thesis Summary: A concise document (e.g., max 2 pages) outlining the research, methodology, findings, and industry relevance.
• Pitch Video: A 3-5 minute video explaining the research, its relevance, and potential impact.
• Submission Format: All materials must be submitted as PDFs or MP4 files through the official challenge portal.
Finalist Benefits:
Finalists selected to present at the conference will receive:
• Industry exposure through networking and visibility.
• Free Conference Pass including all coffee breaks, lunches and the Icebreaker Drinks.
• Travel support: Up to €1500 for travel to and from Amsterdam and three hotel nights for one person.
Submission Deadline:
Please submit your thesis summary and presentation video to conference@sprintrobotics.org no later than June 30, 2025. Finalists will be announced on August 31, 2025, and updates will be posted on the RISE Challenge Website and the SPRINT Robotics LinkedIn page.
Winning Thesis Announcement:
The winning thesis will be announced on Day 2 during the plenary session, as part of the SPRINT Robotics Awards, on Wednesday, 22 October 2025. The winner will be recognized as having presented the best research pitch in the competition.
Visit our RISE Thesis Challenge page to for more information
