FUNDING AND BUDGET
There is no limit to the amount of money, time, and technical expertise that can go into designing and building your team’s vehicle. However, keep in mind that a costlier vehicle does not necessarily mean that the vehicle will perform better.
Also keep in mind that the primary purpose of your ROV is to successfully complete the tasks of the product demonstration; while the competition encourages you to push the limits of your knowledge, skills, and creativity, it does not require you to create complex, over-engineered solutions. In other words, remember the KISS principle – Keep It Simple, Students!
The MATE Center offers each team the following support:
- Meals – awards banquet.
An awards banquet will be provided to student team members, instructors, and mentors attending the international competition. Parents, spouses, siblings, cheerleaders, etc. will be able to purchase tickets for the reception and awards banquet (but NOT lunches) in advance.
NOTE: Meals may be provided to teams competing in regional events; regional teams should contact the regional contest coordinator in their area for more information.
- Special offers from competition sponsors and teams only area.
Several companies offer their products, materials, supplies, and/or access to equipment and facilities to competition teams at no or reduced costs. For example, VideoRay’s “MATE ROV Competition Store” is available to MATE competition teams only. This on-line store offers discounts on cameras, tethers, and, possibly, thrusters, among other items. Sound Ocean Systems, Inc. offers free umbilical cable provided teams cover shipping costs. SolidWorks provides student edition versions of its software to ALL student members of MATE ROV teams at no cost. Lights Camera Action LLC offers discounts on certain products.
Information about these offers and others – as well as a letter that teams can use to support their fundraising efforts – is included within the teams’ only area of the MATE forum hub. Contact the MATE Center for the 2016 teams' only area password.
- Resources and curriculum areas of the MATE web site.
The resources area contains information on where to purchase building materials as well as lists of helpful web site and books, among other resources. SeaMATE ROV starter kits can be purchased from the MATE store. The curriculum area includes instructional materials, how-to videos, and much more.
- Access to industry mentors.
The MATE Center and the regional coordinators work to connect students with industry professionals willing to donate their time and technical expertise as team mentors. Several regionals have developed extensive mentor networks utilizing members of their local MTS section, for example. Contact the MATE Center or the regional coordinator in your area if you are interested in connecting with an industry mentor.
- Additional costs.
Teams are encouraged to organize their own fundraising activities to cover building materials, travel, housing, and meal costs above and beyond what the MATE Center provides. The teams’ only area includes fundraising tips as well as “tools” (e.g. the MATE logo, a press release template, etc.) that teams can use to support their fundraising activities.
In addition, the following items are your team’s responsibility:
- The participation fee.
- Passports.
- Shipping your ROV system and tools to competition venue.
- Costs associated with fundraising or presentations to community.
- Miscellaneous expenses for photocopying, phone calls, shipping costs associated with ordering ROV components, mailings, courier, etc.