At Matter Labs, we believe that innovation begins with opportunity—the chance for young minds to explore, experiment, and push the boundaries of what’s possible. That belief came to life this past weekend at FATHOMWERX, where students from across the region, including local teams from Hueneme High School and Ventura High School, gathered for an inspiring FIRST Robotics event.
The FATHOMWERX lab at the Port of Hueneme was buzzing with activity as students worked tirelessly on their robots, fine-tuning code, adjusting mechanical components, and overcoming technical challenges in real time. While teams from multiple schools brought their A-game to the event, we were especially proud to highlight the students from Hueneme and Ventura High. These teams showcased not just impressive technical skill, but also the resilience and collaboration that define the best innovators. They represent the brightest students from our local academic community.
FIRST Robotics is more than just a competition—it’s an introduction to the kind of thinking that drives the world’s most impactful technology. Watching students tackle complex engineering problems firsthand was a powerful reminder of why STEM education is so critical. According to students at Hueneme High, their team spent hours in CAD designing their robot before building it from scratch. One student claimed “we spent a little too much time in CAD” and thus, they fell behind on the day of competition. But, their ingenuity and commitment to adjusting on the fly saw them toeing the start-line just as every other team did.
The Ventura High team, led by instructors from the school's welding program, demonstrated incredible teamwork, strategizing and adjusting their robot’s articulation on the fly to improve its performance. The educators leading the team spoke to the impact of the robotics team and the path it will lead students down – many choosing to study STEM subjects in higher education.
For many of these students, stepping into the FATHOMWERX lab was a glimpse into their potential futures. This high-tech innovation hub, where government, industry, and academia intersect, provided an environment where students could see the real-world applications of their skills. The event wasn’t just about building robots; it was about building confidence, sparking curiosity, and laying the groundwork for future careers in engineering, robotics, and beyond.
We’re proud to support initiatives like FIRST Robotics because we know that these students represent the future of innovation. Whether they go on to develop next-generation technology, launch startups, or become leaders in their fields, the skills they honed through FIRST will stay with them. Seeing the determination and ingenuity of the students from Hueneme and Ventura High was a testament to what’s possible when young minds are given the tools and opportunities to succeed. We can’t wait to see where they go next.
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