In early September 2025, Ljubljana pulsed with the energy of bright young minds and buzzing robots. Ljubljana Exhibition and Convention Centre hosted the World Robot Olympiad Open Championship Europe. Over the course of four days, the largest Slovenian venue hosted more than 210 teams representing 45+ countries. With 90+ international judges on site and thousands of supporting family members and curious visitors, the event transformed the Slovenian capital into a true playground of innovation and creativity.
About the WRO as a global movement
The World Robot Olympiad (WRO) is one of the world’s leading platforms for STEM education, engaging young people in robotics, engineering, and creative problem-solving. Since its launch in Singapore in 2004, WRO has grown into a global phenomenon with more than 95 participating countries. Each year, thousands of teams take part in national and international competitions across four disciplines.
What makes WRO unique is its spirit: a mix of competition and collaboration where students not only test their skills but also exchange ideas, build friendships, and develop a global outlook. Hosting the European Open Championship in Ljubljana offered Slovenia a valuable opportunity to highlight its commitment to innovation and education.
Four days of energy, friendship, and innovation in Ljubljana
From 2 to 5 September 2025, the Ljubljana Exhibition and Convention Centre welcomed over a thousand participants from across the globe for the European edition of the World Robot Olympiad. The championship combined serious competition with a sense of community, giving both participants and visitors a unique glimpse into the future of robotics.
The opening ceremony set a festive tone with a vibrant parade of national flags, while the popular “Friendship Night” encouraged intercultural exchange beyond the arena. During the competition days, teams tested their skills in four disciplines: RoboMission, Future Innovators, Future Engineers, and RoboSports, turning the halls into a lively showcase of creativity, collaboration, and technical mastery.
What it takes to host 200 robot teams
A championship of this scale required flexible spaces, smooth logistics, and reliable technical support. Ljubljana Exhibition and Convention Centre offered exactly that with an all-in-one layout.
The Marmorna Hall and Foyer hosted registration, networking, and social events, while Steklena Hall became an exhibition space for Future Innovators. The Kupola and Kocka Halls turned into arenas for robotics battles, with Kupola Hall using lamella shades for partial dimming and Kocka Hall equipped with blackout curtains and a custom lighting setup to ensure constant light conditions for the robots’ sensitive sensors. Stebrna Hall provided dining facilities, and dedicated spaces for judges ensured efficient coordination.
The combination of functional halls and inviting outdoor areas created a flow that kept the event running smoothly while giving participants room to compete, connect, and celebrate.
More than robots: memories, connections, and a lasting legacy
The WRO Open Championship Europe 2025 was not only about robotics. Teams also discovered Slovenia — from Lake Bled’s Alpine charm to the dramatic Postojna Cave and Predjama Castle, and the playful Ljubljana City Shuffle. These experiences turned the championship into a cultural journey as well as a technological one.
For Slovenia, the event highlighted its focus on innovation and sustainability, while boosting local tourism and international visibility. For participants, it created lasting memories of teamwork, discovery, and exchange.
The legacy of WRO 2025 is therefore twofold: an unforgettable learning and cultural experience for young innovators, and a strong demonstration that Ljubljana is ready to host ambitious international gatherings with professionalism and heart.
Find out more about Ljubljana Exhibition and Convention Centre here.
