Droniada Junior is an initiative that has been steadily building a community of young drone technology enthusiasts for several years now. The series has already taken on an international dimension – this year’s edition attracted entries from schools in the Vilnius District, among others. The regional tournament in Rybnik drew students from across Silesia, combining competitive sport with hands-on technology education. We are proud to have been part of this event as one of its honorary patrons.
Before the Tournament – A Nationwide Qualification Round
Getting to the starting line in Rybnik was no easy feat. In January, over 300 teams took part in the Grand Drone Knowledge Test. The qualification thresholds were demanding – 70% for primary school students and as much as 90% for secondary school students. As a result, only well-prepared teams made it to the regional stage, representing Rybnik, Gliwice, Bytom, Jaworzno, Ruda Śląska, Tychy, Wodzisław Śląski and other towns across the region. For several of them, it was their debut in the tournament.
Two Days of Action on the Track and at the Keyboard
Over two days in February, primary and secondary school students competed in two disciplines: a precision drone obstacle course and a programming challenge. Results came down to seconds – in the secondary school category, three finalists ended up with an identical score, requiring a tiebreaker to separate them. The top teams from each age group earned their place in the grand final – Droniada Junior Finals – scheduled for 28–29 May in Rybnik.
Why Initiatives Like This Are Worth Supporting
Droniada Junior is a great example of how to spark genuine interest in technology in a practical and engaging way. Instead of theory – real challenges, teamwork and immediate feedback. There is a growing need for initiatives that connect learning with doing, because these are the experiences through which young people discover their passions and develop skills that will serve them throughout their lives. The event was supported by a wide range of institutions, including the City of Rybnik, NATO DEEP eAcademy and the Silesian University of Technology.
For more information, visit the organiser’s website: droniadajunior.pl