In 2009, its inaugural year, the EcoBot Challenge attracted 54 teams from 30 schools and two community groups. Almost 750 students, teachers, volunteers and parents attended the contest at Houston’s George R. Brown Convention Center. The event attracted more than 30 sponsors including NASA, Waste Management, the City of Houston and other organizations.

The enthusiastic response from teachers, students, parents, school superintendents and sponsors encouraged us to expand the contest. In 2010, more than 270 teams participated - more than five times the previous year!