Get involved

What's involved?

Each year, student teams are challenged to design, build, and run a specific device according to a particular ruleset and specification, which is available via the Team Document Library.

The Challenge is open to teams of 2-6 students from both universities and UTCs and formal registration for teams is open from the Autumn until the regional finals in the following year.

From March to June, teams in the UK will compete in regional heats (dates available online), leading to a national final for the regional winners hosted at the Institution of Mechanical Engineers in London at the start of the following academic year, in which the winners are crowned.

Why get involved?

Those who take part have the opportunity to develop existing and new skills that complement their academic studies, becoming more confident and capable graduates ready for their first roles as young engineers in industry.

Students benefit by:

• Gaining practical design, manufacturing, and engineering skills for industry
• Developing key soft skills, including business planning, budgeting, and presentation skills
• Experience working in a team-based engineering project
• Gaining accolades and awards for achievements
• Meeting potential employers
• Networking and connecting with professionals, experts, and fellow engineering students

Universities benefit by:

• Generating a stronger pool of industry-ready young engineers
• Encourage academic excellence towards final projects
• Providing Professional Development options for your staff team
• Highlighting extra-curricular opportunities for UCAS applicants

Who can take part?

Teams can either compete in the Foundation Class (formerly known as the First Year Competition) alongside students in the first year of their undergraduate degree, or the Advanced Class (formerly known as the Second Year Competition), which is open to any student wishing to participate, from UTC to the final year of an undergraduate degree. Mixed-year teams from the same educational establishment are welcome.

We will also be adding in a Concept class as well which will be open to all entrants up to the first year of their undergraduate degree.