MATE Inspiration for Innovation (MATE II) is a 501(c) 3 non-profit corporation inspired and created by the principals of the NSF ATE-funded Marine Advanced Technology Education (MATE) Center at Monterey Peninsula College. MATE II was founded to support and sustain on-going education activities and programs initiated at the MATE Center, including its global ROV (remotely operated vehicle or underwater robotics) competition, professional development workshops, instructional resources, and SeaMATE ROV kits. MATE II’s mission is to inspire and challenge students to learn and creatively apply science, technology, art, engineering and math to solving real-world problems in a way that strengthens critical thinking, collaboration, entrepreneurship, and innovation.

The MATE ROV competition was created in 2001 in partnership with the Marine Technology Society’s ROV Committee in an effort to address marine technical workforce needs and raise awareness of ocean-related career opportunities. Since that time, it has evolved into a global community of learners who can think critically, solve problems, be creative and resourceful, and work as a team to address societal challenges – and who can succeed in today’s constantly evolving STEM workplace, be it air, land, or sea.