Welcome to the 17th edition of ROBOTRADER.

To register for the competition, fill out the following form.

16 years have established us as a benchmark in training on automated trading platforms for students. The new edition of ROBOTRADER, starting in February 2027, comes packed with enthusiasm and eagerness to train and create a competitive environment in which all participants can learn from one another.

Since our beginnings, we have maintained a firm commitment to educating and training students in the exciting world of finance and algorithmic trading. The new edition, which will begin in February 2027, promises to be full of enthusiasm and mutual learning, as we believe in the importance of creating a competitive space where each participant can enrich themselves with the knowledge of their peers.

Over the previous 16 editions, we have had the privilege of receiving 320 trading systems, with participation from different parts of the world, such as Spain, Colombia, Mexico, the United Kingdom, Italy, Switzerland, Russia, Bolivia, and Qatar. This international character is likewise reflected in the keynote lectures we offer, featuring renowned experts such as Perry J. Kaufman, Larry Williams, and Jack Bernstein.

We will begin in February and March with lectures given by professors and professionals from the finance and trading systems programming sector. To follow the lectures, you must connect via Zoom. Then, in April and May, we will hold the competition itself, where participants will be able to put the knowledge they have acquired to the test.

In addition, we are pleased to announce that in September we will present the 12th edition of the Expert Course in Quantitative Systems and Models for Algorithmic Trading, offered by the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid. For more information, you can check the Training section of Robotrader or visit the expert course page directly.

We remind you that ROBOTRADER is a program built on 3 fundamental pillars:

• Comprehensive Training: We offer keynote lectures given by leading professionals in the financial and trading systems programming field. These talks, scheduled for February and March, will give participants a solid foundation for facing the challenges of the competition and better understanding the intricacies of financial markets and FinTech technology.
• Competition in Action: April and May are the months when the adrenaline is unleashed. Participants will have the opportunity to put their skills and knowledge to the test in the competition itself. From high-frequency trading algorithms to universal strategies, the competition will cover a wide range of challenges that will test the students’ skill and creativity.
• Networks and Opportunities: At ROBOTRADER, we don’t just compete — we also build lasting connections. Through our focus on networking, we facilitate students’ access to job opportunities in the financial and technology sectors. Our platform becomes a springboard for a promising future. Start Your Journey Towards Automated Trading! No trading background is required to take part in Robotrader; thanks to the numerous resources available on the Robotrader platforms, participants with all kinds of backgrounds can take part. In fact, only 38.89% of participants have a background in algorithmic trading. In the following image you can see that people with all types of backgrounds have a place in the competition:

Start your journey into automated trading!

Participating in Robotrader does not require any prior training in trading. Thanks to the numerous resources available on Robotrader’s platforms, participants from all kinds of backgrounds can take part. In fact, only 38.89% of participants have a background in algorithmic trading. In the following image, you can see that people with all kinds of educational backgrounds have a place in the competition.

Resources to Master the Art of Automated Trading

Dive into the exciting world of automated trading with a wide range of resources available on our website. Here is everything you need to start building and perfecting your skills in algorithmic trading systems:

1. Informative and Educational Lectures: Want to learn the secrets of automated trading directly from industry professionals? Our YouTube channel gives you access to all the lectures from previous years, totaling over 267 videos with 256,540 views. Discover the most current strategies, techniques, and trends as you immerse yourself in the fascinating universe of automated trading. You can access the channel from this link.
2. Shared Code Repository: Learn from the community and access a valuable collection of code donated by participants from previous editions. Explore a variety of algorithms and adapt them to your needs. At ROBOTRADER, we believe in the power of sharing knowledge and experience for everyone’s benefit. Repository link.
3. Universidad Politécnica de Madrid Course: Take your knowledge to the next level with our expert course in Quantitative Systems and Models for Algorithmic Trading! Offered by the prestigious Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, this course gives you a deep understanding of the fundamentals and strategies behind automated trading. For more information, you can check the Training section of Robotrader or visit the expert course page directly.
4. Sign Up for the Competition! The heart of ROBOTRADER is its exciting automated trading competition. Do you have what it takes to design smart and efficient algorithms? Below, we explain how the competition works. Here is the link.

Discover How the Competition Works

1. Choose Your Battle Platform: Choose one of the official platforms to design your algorithmic system. VisualChart, Metatrader (TradEAsy), Interactive Brokers Trader WorkStation, NinjaTrader, and ZorroTrader are your options. Ready to show your skills on the stage you choose? Keep in mind that, according to the rules, the only platform allowed for participants who are not students is Metatrader (TradEAsy). Depending on the platform you choose, you may be eligible for different prizes, so be sure to check the prizes section before committing to a platform.
2. April and May, the Key Moment! During these crucial months, your algorithms will operate in real time in the financial markets. You must meet the conditions established in the rules in order to participate and remain in the competition.
3. Ranking and Recognition: As you compete, you will be ranked weekly and in the final standings. This is not only an opportunity to win exciting prizes, but also to earn diplomas and medals for your outstanding performance. Weekly results will be published at the following link.
4. Prizes and Recognitions! The best ratios, the best performance in the IBEX35 futures market, and more. Prizes and recognitions are the icing on the cake at ROBOTRADER. You have the chance to win university credits, cash prizes, and even have your system showcased at the Palacio de la Bolsa in Madrid! Remember that prizes worth €45,000 will be awarded.

The challenge has been set and the adventure begins! Join the competition, learn from the experts, and take on the challenges of automated trading. ROBOTRADER gives you the perfect platform to unleash your creativity and skills in the financial world. See you at the starting line!

Tips for Success If you want to go deeper and learn more details about how to build a system, you’ll find a series of videos in the sections: How to Get Started, How to Keep Going, and How to Succeed.

We also strongly recommend watching the talks given by the winners of previous editions. After all, they managed to win!

Here are the presentations from recent editions, but there are many more on the channel.

2026 Winners: video

2025 Winners: video

2024 Winners: video

2023 Winners: video

Benefits for ETSIT Students ECTS

Credits for Undergraduate and Master’s Students For all ETSIT undergraduate and master’s students

For all ETSIT undergraduate and master’s students, registering for Robotrader will earn 2 ECTS credits. This is an excellent opportunity to complement your academic training with hands-on experience in algorithmic trading.

Specific Training for SSR PhD Students

For students in the SSR PhD Program, participating in Robotrader will provide 30 hours of AF1 training (training seminars).

To obtain these benefits, students must complete the REGISTRATION process. After the competition ends, you can apply for credit recognition. For more information: https://blogs.upm.es/actividadesacreditables/robotrader-c30370/.

Information of Interest

You can subscribe to our newsletter below to stay informed. If you are interested in participating, send an email to robotraderworld@gmail.com indicating so.

Awards ceremony: Undetermined

Last year awards ceremony video: Event Video

Last year awards ceremony gallery: Photos

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