Institution news
Over the coming months, the IMechE’s student engineering challenges will bring together thousands of young engineers from more than 40 countries to solve real-world problems, build working technology and compete on an international stage.
What's on
Members of the public can also experience the excitement first-hand.
Both events offer a memorable day out for fans and families, bringing together creativity, technology and the energy of the next generation of engineers.
About the Challenge finals
Across Formula Student, Railway Challenge, UAS Challenge, Design Challenge and Apprentice Automation Challenge, students and apprentices will design, build, test and present projects that push their technical skills, creativity, presentation abilities, and teamwork. From autonomous racing cars and unmanned aircraft to railway locomotives and automation systems, the competitions give students the chance to turn classroom learning into practical engineering achievement.
From June to October, teams will take part in the Institution’s well-established competitions, putting their skills to the test across projects spanning motorsport, aerospace, rail, automation and design.
These challenges are about far more than technical excellence. They give students the chance to build the practical, professional and commercial skills that employers value, from business planning and budgeting to project management, teamwork and problem solving. For students looking to stand out, participation offers both specialist knowledge and real-world capability, with the competitions widely recognised by industry as a mark of excellence.
There is plenty to celebrate in 2026. Formula Student AI will welcome a record 30 teams to its autonomous vehicles competition, Railway Challenge will offer expanded opportunities for teams to compete, and UAS Challenge will be the largest yet, with more than 50 teams from over 16 countries.
STEM Outreach for primary and secondary students
New for 2026 is a dedicated outreach programme running alongside several competitions. Designed for primary and secondary school educators, it will help bring classroom learning to life through event access, hands-on activities, meet and greets and opportunities for students to see engineering in action.
Joyce Achampong, Associate Director, the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) said:
“Our challenges form a key part of our objectives to inspire and develop the next generation of engineering talent. Not only do they prepare university undergraduates for their future careers, they also provide great examples for school learners to expand their understanding of what STEM is.“
This year’s outreach programme is a great chance for children to get up close to practical examples of engineering in action and meet their future selves as they decide their GCSE and A-level choices, and I encourage educators to reach out to us.”
If you would like to bring your class and inspire them at the competitions, please register your interest before 1 June.
We look forward to welcoming you this summer.