Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is MECKUP Quest?
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MECKUP Quest is an international AI and robotics competition designed to inspire students to explore innovation, STEM education, and the impact of intelligent technologies on the real world. It emphasizes creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving.
2. What is the purpose of this competition?
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MECKUP Quest is about discovering the joy of innovation, gaining future-ready AI skills, and joining a global STEM movement. The competition aims to build an inclusive future where creativity and technology come together, empowering every participant to grow as an innovator.
3. Who is eligible to join?
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The competition is open to secondary school students.
4. Do I join as an individual or as a team?
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Participants must join as teams of 4–5 members.
In addition, each team is required to have one adult mentor — a teacher, parent, or guardian.
In addition, each team is required to have one adult mentor — a teacher, parent, or guardian.
5. Is prior AI or robotics experience required?
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No. There are no prerequisites or prior experience required. Guidance and resources will be provided to help all participants get started.
6. What is the MeckUP Junior Fellow Program?
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The MeckUP Junior Fellow Program is a new community and fellowship initiative.
All participating students automatically become MeckUP Junior Fellows, joining a global network of young innovators passionate about AI, robotics, and creative problem-solving.
All participating students automatically become MeckUP Junior Fellows, joining a global network of young innovators passionate about AI, robotics, and creative problem-solving.
7. How do schools benefit from participating?
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Schools offer their students a chance to gain real-world experience, applying academic knowledge to tackle practical challenges using AI and robotics. The competition encourages creativity, leadership, and innovation to develop key skills for the intelligent-technology era.
8. How do we register?
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Teams can registration only by invitation.
9. Is there a registration fee?
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Participation is free of charge.
10. When and where will the competition be held?
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- Date: 22 February 2026
- Time: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Venue: The University of Hong Kong (HKU)
11. What is the competition theme?
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The 2026 real-world challenge theme is “Post-Typhoon Disaster Scenario.”
As Hong Kong faces increasingly frequent typhoons, MECKUP Quest 2026 invites students to design and deploy intelligent robots to assist in post-disaster recovery, such as clearing blocked mountain roads, navigating debris, and restoring access to isolated areas.
As Hong Kong faces increasingly frequent typhoons, MECKUP Quest 2026 invites students to design and deploy intelligent robots to assist in post-disaster recovery, such as clearing blocked mountain roads, navigating debris, and restoring access to isolated areas.
12. Is there training or assembly support?
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Yes. Training and assembly support will be provided on the following dates:
- Jan 17, 2026 – Online Presentation (10:00 AM)
- Jan 24 & Jan 31, 2026 – Hong Kong Training
- Feb 4 & Feb 5, 2026 – Shanghai Training
13. What programming languages will be used?
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To program the robots Python and Blocky are the programming languages we recommend, but any other languages will work.
14. Can teachers or mentors assist during the competition?
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No. Mentors may not assist during the official competition. Guidance should be limited to preparation and training before the event.
15. What are the competition rules and tasks?
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Please refer to the official video on the event website for details on competition rules and robot tasks.
🔗 (Click here to view video)
Once registered, the full manual with specific rubrics will be sent to the mentor and team directly through email.
🔗 (Click here to view video)
Once registered, the full manual with specific rubrics will be sent to the mentor and team directly through email.
16. What happens if a robot breaks down?
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Schools are encouraged to prepare a backup set of materials or components to minimize disruptions during the competition.
17. Is there a dress code for presentations or the awards ceremony?
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There is no specific dress code. Teams may wear attire of their choice.
18. What awards are available?
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Please visit the Awards section on the event website for full details.
🔗 (Click here to view the Prizes and Awards)
🔗 (Click here to view the Prizes and Awards)
19. Can a team win multiple awards?
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Yes. Teams are eligible to receive multiple awards.
20. When and how will awards be announced?
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Awards will be announced during the Awards Ceremony at the conclusion of the competition day.
21. Will the event be photographed or filmed?
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Yes. The event will be photographed and recorded for educational and promotional purposes.
Please ensure that photo and video consent forms are signed for all participating students.
22. What is the code of conduct?
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Participants should always act with respect and integrity toward all attendees, organizers, and fellow competitors. Each student represents their school and should conduct themselves as responsible ambassadors.
23. What if the event is postponed or cancelled?
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If the event must be postponed or cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances, a new date will be rescheduled and communicated to all registered schools.
24. Can parents attend?
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Yes! Parents, teachers, and friends are warmly welcome to attend and support the teams.
More questions?
Feel free to reach out.
