ProtoSpace Mfg, the advanced manufacturing division for aerospace and defense of the Protocase Companies, has been named the title sponsor of the 2025 Canadian International Rover Challenge (CIRC). This international university-level robotics competition, set to take place in Drumheller, Alberta, from August 8 to 11, 2025, simulates real-world Mars exploration challenges, offering engineering students a unique platform to test their custom-built planetary rovers.
The CIRC, now in its ninth year, is organized by the Canadian Space Technology Advancement Group (CSTAG) and attracts top engineering talent from around the globe. As the 2025 Title Sponsor, ProtoSpace Mfg is providing significant support to the participants, including $2,000 USD in manufacturing credit for each team, precision-manufactured equipment for the Arm Dexterity challenge, and on-the-ground technical guidance from its staff.
Dr. Doug Milburn, Chairman of the Protocase Companies, emphasized the importance of the sponsorship, stating, 'Supporting the Canadian International Rover Challenge isn’t just about manufacturing parts, it’s about manufacturing opportunity.' The competition's rigorous tasks, including robotic navigation and the unique nighttime 'Traversal' challenge, are designed to push students to apply their theoretical knowledge in practical, high-pressure scenarios.
Additional sponsors for the 2025 event include Nordspace and Birchcliff Energy, contributing to the growth of what has become Canada's premier space engineering challenge. The CIRC not only prepares future space scientists but also equips them with the necessary tools, resources, and mentorship to lead in the field of planetary robotics.
