Drone Soccer Takes Flight: DSNZ Debuts at ACE2026 to Advance Youth AI and STEM Learning

On 27 June 2026, Drone Soccer New Zealand (DSNZ) made its first public appearance at the Aotearoa Chinese Career & Education Expo (ACE2026), introducing drone soccer and drone racing to students, families, educators and the wider community.

The event marked an important milestone for DSNZ and the official launch of a new platform bringing together technology-enabled sport, AI and STEM education, and future-focused skills development for young people in New Zealand.

DSNZ is built around the intersection of technology, sport, education and innovation. Its purpose extends beyond promoting drone-based activities. The organisation aims to transform AI, STEM, coding, robotics, team competition and project-based learning into practical experiences in which students can actively explore, apply and create with technology.

Through its development pathway — Build AI, Fly Drones, Compete — DSNZ plans to establish a connected ecosystem of clubs, school teams, competitions, holiday programmes and technology-focused study tours. This pathway is designed to support students from their first introduction to drone technology through to structured training, school participation and competitive progression.

By taking part in flight training, team activities, project-based challenges and organised competition, students can develop practical technical skills while strengthening strategic thinking, problem-solving, concentration, self-discipline, communication, teamwork and leadership.

Drone soccer is one of DSNZ’s flagship programmes. Combining drone technology with fast-paced team competition, it turns STEM learning into an activity that students can participate in, practise and compete in. Drone racing provides a further pathway for developing flight control, spatial awareness, reaction speed and technical confidence, offering students a practical introduction to drone systems and emerging technologies.

DSNZ also plans to expand its education offering through Nova School, which will deliver AI, coding, robotics, innovation workshops and holiday technology programmes. Its youth innovation publication, Nova Innovator, will provide a platform for young people to share ideas, showcase projects and develop a broader understanding of science, technology and innovation.

DSNZ’s participation in ACE2026 created an important opportunity to connect with students, families, schools, education providers and community organisations. The organisation is seeking to work with schools and strategic partners to bring technology-enabled sport into classrooms and communities, establish local clubs and school teams, and build a nationwide competition network.

Over time, DSNZ aims to connect students in New Zealand with wider international competitions, educational exchanges and innovation opportunities.

Future education should go beyond the delivery of knowledge. Young people need opportunities to create, collaborate, compete and grow through real-world experiences. Through drone soccer, drone racing, AI and STEM programmes, technology-focused study tours and youth innovation publishing, DSNZ will continue to support young people in developing the technical literacy, teamwork and creative capability needed to thrive in the age of AI.

About ACE2026

The Aotearoa Chinese Career & Education Expo 2026 was developed around the theme “Career Development Drives Education Choices.”

The event provided a career and education platform for students, graduates, migrants and working professionals, with a focus on employment opportunities in New Zealand, industry alignment, practical workshops, policy insights and access to education resources.

ACE2026 was initiated by the New Zealand International Career Centre (NZICC), with support from organisations and institutions including Auckland University of Technology, the University of Auckland, Massey University, the New Zealand Beijing Chamber of Commerce, UP Education and Drone Soccer New Zealand.

The expo was designed to support the Chinese community in New Zealand by connecting career development, education pathways and professional opportunities.