Underwater robot. (MATE Photo)

How do you build an underwater robot that can locate an airplane wreckage and deliver its engine to the surface?

Some students, making up more than 70 teams, will have to answer that question at the MATE International Underwater Robotics Competition, taking place June 21 to 23 in Federal Way, Wash.

The competition challenges students from K-12 schools, community colleges and universities to build and test remotely operated vehicles — the underwater robots — in simulated real-world missions. The students must also work to manufacture, market, and sell the products.

Students qualified for the international competition by either competing in one of 30 regional competitions or by submitting video demonstrations.

This year’s competition is themed around its location: Washington. The theme, “Jet City: Aircraft, Earthquakes and Energy,” references Seattle’s reputation as an aerospace hub as well as the region’s hydroelectric power and risk of strong earthquakes.

The competition will take place at the Weyerhaeuser King County Aquatic Center in Federal Way from June 21 to 23. It’s also being livestreamed on the MATE website. Find out more about the competition and how to watch it here.

That’s one of the highlights from our GeekWire community calendar, the spot for geek and tech events in Seattle and the greater Pacific Northwest. See the full calendar here, submit your event here and keep reading for more suggested events over the next few weeks.

Rising Stars: Fresh Faces

What: “Walter Clore Wine and Culinary Center and the World Trade Center Seattle are proud to present “Rising Stars: Fresh Faces.” The future of wine is now with these young (aged 45 years and younger), but proven, winemakers in Washington state. Meet these winemakers, sample their wines, and purchase to support their endeavors of producing top-quality wine. Winemakers and wineries include: Jeremy Santo of Mercer Wine Estates, Jessica Munnell of Wautoma Springs, Chris Sherry of Elentone (bubbles!), Victor Palencia of la Monarcha/Palencia Wines, and more.”

When: June 18, 4:30 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Where: World Trade Center Seattle

Get involved!

Cryptocurrency, Blockchain & Initial Coin Offering Expert Fireside Chat 

What: “Curious to learn more about the real story behind so-called “Initial Coin Offerings” (ICOs) or just interested in blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies generally?

Join us for a friendly fireside chat at Summit Law Group PLLC with Lewis Cohen and Angela Angelovska-Wilson, two of our nation’s leading cryptotechnology attorneys. Lewis and Angela, who recently came together to form DLx Law, have experience in the space dating back to 2008 and have worked on numerous token sales and other blockchain projects.”

When: June 21, 5:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Where: Summit Law Group

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CleanTech Innovation Showcase

What: “The CleanTech Innovation Showcase is the Northwest’s premier full day event focused on the latest cleantech innovations, ideas and initiatives. The event attracts 400+ industry leaders, investors, researchers and policymakers from across the U.S. and Canada. Throughout the day there are opportunities to hear from keynote speakers and panels on the future of the industry, tips to attracting investors, the latest technology trends and more. Twenty-four presenting companies and organizations will also share their latest technology developments, sustainability efforts and other opportunities for partnership. The 2018 Cascadia CleanTech Accelerator cohort, comprised of early-stage startups, will also share their work and opportunities for investment.”

When: June 25, 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Where: Bell Harbor International Conference Center

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Washington State Toy and Geek Festival

What: “The Washington State Toy and Geek Fest is a fan celebration of all things toy, pop culture, and fun under one roof. It will be a weekend of family-friendly entertainment, vendors, costumes, Star Wars, gaming competitions, cosplay contests, Transformers, comic books, artists, authors, dinosaurs, military displays, robots, anime, superheroes, and lots of entertainment for kids. Over 16 celebrities have signed to appear at the event of the Summer.

An event to bring new and vintage toys, comic books, video games, movies, relevant celebrities, and anything pop culture together under one roof for a fun weekend in Pierce County.”

When: June 30, 8 a.m. – July 1, 5 p.m.

Where: Washington State Fair Events Center

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Programming Night at Code Fellows

What: “To support continued skill development, portfolio project enhancements, and networking for the greater Seattle development community, we are launching a weekly Programming Night at Code Fellows in collaboration with JS Hack Night and PuPPY. This event will be open to the following audiences: Current Code Fellows students, seeking graduates (Career Accelerator Participants), and alumni; PuPPY Group Members; JS Hack Night Members; Individuals interested in getting into coding; and Experienced developers who want to mentor and give back to the community.”

When: July 10, 5:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Where: Code Fellows Seattle

Get involved!

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