WRO Open Championship Europe 2025

The WRO Open Championship Europe 2025 turned Ljubljana into a vibrant hub of youth innovation and robotics. Hosted at the Ljubljana Exhibition and Convention Centre, the event welcomed more than 210 teams from over 45 countries, supported by 90+ international judges. Over four days, the halls buzzed with creativity, teamwork, and a spirit of collaboration — offering both participants and the wider public an inspiring glimpse into the future of STEM.

Name

Date

2–5 September 2025

Client

Ljudska univerza Velenje (national organiser, WRO license holder)

Participants

210+ teams, 90+ judges, 1,000+ delegates and visitors from 45+ countries

A global movement with local impact

The World Robot Olympiad (WRO) is one of the world’s leading STEM platforms, engaging students in robotics, engineering, and creative problem-solving. Ljubljana’s edition underlined this international spirit: a mix of serious competition and cultural exchange, where students not only tested their technical skills but also built friendships and shared ideas across borders.

From 2 to 5 September 2025, the Ljubljana Exhibition and Convention Centre welcomed over a thousand participants from across the globe.

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.

Venue & format

The event used an all-in-one layout. Participants registered in the Marmorna Hall Foyer, moved through the Marmorna Hall lounge, and into competition halls. The Future Innovators exhibition took place in Steklena Hall, while Kupola and Kocka Halls turned into competition arenas, equipped with blackout curtains and precise lighting to protect robots’ sensitive sensors. Stebrna Hall was arranged as a dining area with food stations, and the Kupola Foyer with a meeting room served as offices for judges. Marmorna Hall also hosted the Opening Ceremony, Friendship Night, and the final celebration.

Event highlights

The four-day program blended competition, exchange, and celebration. A special focus was placed on technical precision inside the halls: blackout curtains, carefully positioned lighting without shadows, and stable air conditioning ensured optimal conditions for robots’ sensitive sensors. These adjustments, combined with smooth venue logistics, created a professional environment that allowed participants to fully concentrate on performance. Cultural excursions to Lake Bled, Postojna Cave, and Ljubljana’s Old Town complemented the competition and showcased Slovenia’s natural and cultural attractions.

Sustainability measures

In line with GR’s sustainability commitments, the event relied on energy-efficient infrastructure, reusable venue solutions, and public transport access. Catering facilities were designed with minimal waste in mind, while Ljubljana’s walkable city centre encouraged eco-friendly mobility for participants and visitors.

How GR Ljubljana delivered

Adaptable halls configured for competitions, exhibitions, dining, and ceremonies in one location.

Technical reliability with stable lighting and blackout solutions for robotics’ sensitive sensors.

Clear logistics supporting more than 1,000 participants and 90 judges.

Purpose-designed spaces for judging, delegation briefings, catering, and networking.

Sustainable approach through energy-efficient infrastructure and reusable venue solutions.

Engaging environment with a central urban location and indoor–outdoor flow, supporting both high performance and community atmosphere.

More than robots: a lasting legacy

The WRO Open Championship Europe 2025 was as much about people as it was about technology. For Slovenia, it reinforced the country’s commitment to innovation and education, while boosting local tourism and international visibility. For participants, it delivered unforgettable memories of teamwork, discovery, and cultural exchange.

The legacy of WRO 2025 is clear: an inspiring experience for the next generation of innovators, and further proof that GR Ljubljana is ready to host complex international gatherings with professionalism and heart.

Successfully delivering such a complex project was a tremendous responsibility. Beyond the logistics, it required coordinating a large team, meticulous planning, quick problem-solving and, above all, creating an environment in which everyone felt welcome. This demanded the highest level of collaboration, communication and adaptability.”
Brigita Gorjup,director of the Adult Education Institute Velenje

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