Verona’s Robotics Reign Continues

For the second consecutive year, a team from the Verona region has clinched the top spot at the National First LEGO League final. This year, the Micollego Team from the Institute of Bosco Chiesanuova emerged victorious in Genoa on March 23, 2025, surpassing approximately forty other teams from across Italy. This win solidifies Verona’s reputation as a burgeoning “Capital” of youth robotics.

First LEGO League: Nurturing Future Innovators

The First LEGO League, a global robotics competition, is designed for middle and high school students. It is a collaborative effort between the LEGO Group and FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology), a non-profit institution dedicated to advancing STEM education among young people. The competition challenges students to solve real-world problems using robotics, coding, and teamwork.

Houston, We Have a Team!

Micollego’s victory earns them a coveted spot at the First Championship in Houston, Texas, scheduled for April 16-19. They will face off against winning teams from various nations, showcasing their skills in algorithms, programming, and construction. The team follows in the footsteps of Team CL Robo-City from the Calabrian-Levi Higher Institute of San Pietro in Cariano, who won the national title last year and placed fifth this year.

Sub-Bot: An Innovative Solution for Marine Research

The Micollego team will present their innovative creation, “Sub-Bot,” at the international competition. Sub-bot is described as a boa “understanding”,a small floating module equipped with artificial intelligence. This device is designed to detect, identify, and catalog alien species in the ocean, thereby assisting marine researchers in their vital work. This project highlights the potential of young minds to contribute to solving real-world challenges through technology.

A Call for community Support

The journey to Houston presents a financial hurdle for the Micollego team. School manager Alessio Perpolli has issued an appeal to the community for support:

We ask for help to the whole territory to find the money necessary to send our boys to Houston and continue the dream.
Alessio Perpolli, School Manager

Securing funds and sponsors is crucial to cover the significant expenses associated with travel and accommodation for the upcoming championship. The team’s success not only represents their hard work and dedication but also serves as an inspiration for other young aspiring roboticists in the region. Supporting Micollego’s journey to Houston is an investment in the future of STEM education and innovation.