100 Engineering Competitions in 2025 : High School & University Edition

Engineering competitions are more than just contests. They are opportunities for students to apply classroom knowledge to real-world challenges, collaborate in teams, and innovate with purpose. Whether you are passionate about robotics, sustainability, aerospace, or AI, there are engineering competitions that match your interests. These events help students develop technical skills, enhance their portfolios, and connect with mentors and professionals from top universities and industries.

In this guide, we will explore 25 of the best engineering competitions in 2025 for both high school and college students. Each listing includes cost details, eligibility, and what makes each competition unique, helping you find the right opportunity to challenge yourself and grow.

Engineering Competitions

 
 

Why Participate in Engineering Competitions?

Participating in engineering competitions offers high school and university students the chance to turn classroom concepts into real-world applications. These engineering competitions help students :

  • Strengthen college applications and professional resumes by showcasing hands-on experience

  • Build critical skills such as problem-solving, communication, teamwork, and innovation

  • Explore various engineering disciplines including mechanical, electrical, civil, aerospace, and software engineering

  • Gain exposure through engineering competitions judged by professionals from leading universities and top tech companies

  • Network with peers, professors, and recruiters while competing at local, national, or global levels

  • Win scholarships, internships, and even startup funding through top engineering competitions

Whether you are designing an autonomous drone, developing clean energy solutions, or competing in coding challenges, engineering competitions empower you to think creatively, lead effectively, and shape the future. These competitions are not only resume boosters but also transformative learning experiences that inspire long-term success in STEM.

 

100 Engineering Competitions for High School Students in 2025

Many of these engineering competitions offer free or low-cost participation, with financial aid and scholarships ensuring accessibility for all students eager to innovate.

1. FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC)

Build and program robots for dynamic challenges in engineering competitions, fostering teamwork and innovation for high school students.

  • Eligibility: Grades 9–12

  • Program Dates: January–May 2025

  • Cost: $6,000/team (grants available)

  • Application Deadline: October 2024

Learn more about FIRST Robotics Competition.

2. Science Olympiad

Compete in engineering competitions like bridge building and robotics, testing creativity and technical skills for high schoolers.

  • Eligibility: Grades 6–12

  • Program Dates: Fall 2024–Spring 2025

  • Cost: $60–$150/team

  • Application Deadline: Varies by region

Learn more about Science Olympiad.

3. VEX Robotics Competition

Design and program robots for themed challenges in engineering competitions, emphasizing strategy and teamwork for students.

  • Eligibility: Grades 6–12

  • Program Dates: Fall 2024–April 2025

  • Cost: $500–$1,000/team

  • Application Deadline: Rolling

Learn more about VEX Robotics Competition.

4. American Rocketry Challenge

Design and launch rockets to meet altitude targets in aerospace engineering competitions for high school students.

  • Eligibility: Grades 6–12

  • Program Dates: October 2024–May 2025

  • Cost: $150/team

  • Application Deadline: December 2024

Learn more about American Rocketry Challenge.

5. Samsung Solve for Tomorrow

Address community issues with STEM solutions in engineering competitions, presenting innovative projects for public school students.

  • Eligibility: Grades 6–12, public schools

  • Program Dates: September 2024–March 2025

  • Cost: Free

  • Application Deadline: November 2024

Learn more about Samsung Solve for Tomorrow.

6. Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF)

Present original engineering projects in global engineering competitions, competing for scholarships and recognition.

  • Eligibility: Grades 9–12

  • Program Dates: May 2025

  • Cost: Varies by regional fair

  • Application Deadline: Varies by region

Learn more about Regeneron ISEF.

7. Regeneron Science Talent Search (STS)

Submit research projects in engineering competitions for prestigious STEM awards and scholarships for seniors.

  • Eligibility: High school seniors, U.S.

  • Program Dates: Application: Fall 2024; Finals: March 2025

  • Cost: Free

  • Application Deadline: November 2024

Learn more about Regeneron STS.

8. Davidson Fellows Scholarship

Showcase significant engineering projects in competitions, earning scholarships for impactful innovations.

  • Eligibility: Ages 18 and under

  • Program Dates: Application: Fall 2024; Awards: 2025

  • Cost: Free

  • Application Deadline: February 2025

Learn more about Davidson Fellows.

9. Future City Competition

Design sustainable cities in engineering competitions, integrating urban planning and environmental solutions.

  • Eligibility: Grades 6–8

  • Program Dates: September 2024–February 2025

  • Cost: $25/team

  • Application Deadline: October 2024

Learn more about Future City Competition.

10. MATE International ROV Competition

Build underwater robots for sustainability-focused engineering competitions, testing design skills globally.

  • Eligibility: Grades K–12

  • Program Dates: January–June 2025

  • Cost: $100–$500/team

  • Application Deadline: March 2025

Learn more about MATE ROV Competition.

11. NASA Human Exploration Rover Challenge

Design rovers for challenging terrains in aerospace engineering competitions, simulating space missions.

  • Eligibility: Ages 10–20

  • Program Dates: April 2025

  • Cost: Free (travel costs apply)

  • Application Deadline: January 2025

Learn more about NASA Rover Challenge.

12. International Bridge Building Contest

Construct model bridges using specified materials in structural engineering competitions for students.

  • Eligibility: Grades 9–12

  • Program Dates: Spring 2025

  • Cost: $20–$50/team

  • Application Deadline: February 2025

Learn more about Bridge Building Contest.

13. Solar Car Challenge

Build solar-powered cars for engineering competitions, promoting renewable energy innovation.

  • Eligibility: Grades 9–12

  • Program Dates: July 2025

  • Cost: $1,000/team

  • Application Deadline: March 2025

Learn more about Solar Car Challenge.

14. Toshiba/NSTA ExploraVision

Propose future technology improvements in engineering competitions, fostering innovation and creativity.

  • Eligibility: Grades K–12

  • Program Dates: October 2024–February 2025

  • Cost: Free

  • Application Deadline: January 2025

Learn more about ExploraVision.

15. National STEM League

Tackle robotics and cybersecurity challenges in engineering competitions, gaining industry insights.

  • Eligibility: Grades 6–12

  • Program Dates: Fall 2024–Spring 2025

  • Cost: $200/team

  • Application Deadline: Varies

Learn more about National STEM League.

16. ICE CityZen Award

Address urban challenges in civil engineering competitions, designing sustainable city solutions.

  • Eligibility: Ages 16–18

  • Program Dates: Spring 2025

  • Cost: Free

  • Application Deadline: January 2025

Learn more about ICE CityZen.

17. Longitude Explorer Prize

Use satellite data to solve social issues in engineering competitions for young innovators.

  • Eligibility: Ages 11–16

  • Program Dates: January–June 2025

  • Cost: Free

  • Application Deadline: March 2025

Learn more about Longitude Explorer.

18. Big Bang Competition

Showcase engineering projects in UK engineering competitions, competing for cash prizes.

  • Eligibility: Ages 11–18

  • Program Dates: November 2024–June 2025

  • Cost: Free

  • Application Deadline: March 2025

Learn more about Big Bang Competition.

19. ASME Student Design Competition

Design innovative solutions in mechanical engineering competitions, presenting at ASME conferences.

  • Eligibility: High school and college

  • Program Dates: Spring 2025

  • Cost: $100/team

  • Application Deadline: February 2025

Learn more about ASME Student Design.

20. Formula Student

Design and race open-wheeler cars in global engineering competitions, testing multidisciplinary skills.

  • Eligibility: High school and college

  • Program Dates: July 2025

  • Cost: $2,000/team

  • Application Deadline: April 2025

Learn more about Formula Student.

21. Microsoft Imagine Cup

Create software solutions for global issues in engineering competitions, with mentorship opportunities.

  • Eligibility: Ages 16+

  • Program Dates: October 2024–May 2025

  • Cost: Free

  • Application Deadline: January 2025

Learn more about Imagine Cup.

22. James Dyson Award

Invent solutions for real-world problems in design engineering competitions, showcasing creativity.

  • Eligibility: High school and college

  • Program Dates: March–July 2025

  • Cost: Free

  • Application Deadline: June 2025

Learn more about James Dyson Award.

23. WorldSkills Engineering Competition

Compete in technical skills like robotics in international engineering competitions for students.

  • Eligibility: Ages 16–22

  • Program Dates: August 2025

  • Cost: Varies by region

  • Application Deadline: May 2025

Learn more about WorldSkills.

24. RoboRAVE International

Build autonomous robots for global engineering competitions, focusing on programming skills.

  • Eligibility: Grades 6–12

  • Program Dates: May 2025

  • Cost: $150/team

  • Application Deadline: March 2025

Learn more about RoboRAVE.

25. Clean Tech Competition

Develop environmental solutions in engineering competitions, presenting prototypes for sustainability.

  • Eligibility: Ages 15–18

  • Program Dates: January–April 2025

  • Cost: Free

  • Application Deadline: February 2025

Learn more about Clean Tech Competition.

26. National Science Bowl (NSB)

Compete in engineering and science challenges in team-based engineering competitions for students.

  • Eligibility: Grades 6–12

  • Program Dates: January–April 2025

  • Cost: Free

  • Application Deadline: December 2024

Learn more about National Science Bowl.

27. USA Computing Olympiad (USACO)

Solve coding challenges in computer science engineering competitions, advancing to international levels.

  • Eligibility: Pre-college students

  • Program Dates: Monthly contests, 2024–2025

  • Cost: Free

  • Application Deadline: None

Learn more about USACO.

28. Google Code Jam

Tackle complex programming problems in engineering competitions, competing for cash prizes.

  • Eligibility: Ages 13+

  • Program Dates: March–May 2025

  • Cost: Free

  • Application Deadline: February 2025

Learn more about Google Code Jam.

29. Google Kick Start

Solve real-world coding challenges in engineering competitions, testing algorithmic skills.

  • Eligibility: Ages 13+

  • Program Dates: March–August 2025

  • Cost: Free

  • Application Deadline: None

Learn more about Google Kick Start.

30. Google Hash Code

Collaborate on real Google problems in team-based engineering competitions, focusing on coding.

  • Eligibility: Ages 16+

  • Program Dates: February–April 2025

  • Cost: Free

  • Application Deadline: January 2025

Learn more about Google Hash Code.

31. TAME Regional Competitions

Solve real-world engineering challenges in collaborative engineering competitions, focusing on design.

  • Eligibility: Grades 6–12

  • Program Dates: Spring 2025

  • Cost: $50/team

  • Application Deadline: February 2025

Learn more about TAME Regional Competitions.

32. Innovative Designs for Accessibility (IDeA)

Create accessible solutions in engineering competitions, addressing community barriers.

  • Eligibility: High school and college

  • Program Dates: Fall 2024–Spring 2025

  • Cost: Free

  • Application Deadline: March 2025

Learn more about IDeA Competition.

33. Collegiate Inventors Competition

Present innovative inventions in engineering competitions, showcasing creativity and design.

  • Eligibility: High school and college

  • Program Dates: April–October 2025

  • Cost: Free

  • Application Deadline: June 2025

Learn more about Collegiate Inventors.

34. SAE Baja

Design and race off-road vehicles in mechanical engineering competitions, testing durability.

  • Eligibility: High school and college

  • Program Dates: April–June 2025

  • Cost: $1,500/team

  • Application Deadline: February 2025

Learn more about SAE Baja.

35. SAE SUPRA

Build and race formula-style cars in engineering competitions, focusing on automotive design.

  • Eligibility: High school and college

  • Program Dates: May–July 2025

  • Cost: $2,000/team

  • Application Deadline: March 2025

Learn more about SAE SUPRA.

36. SAE Aeromodelling Contest

Design and fly model aircraft in aerospace engineering competitions, testing aerodynamics.

  • Eligibility: High school and college

  • Program Dates: Spring 2025

  • Cost: $200/team

  • Application Deadline: February 2025

Learn more about SAE Aeromodelling.

37. Boeing Aeromodelling Contest

Construct model planes for engineering competitions, focusing on flight performance and design.

  • Eligibility: High school and college

  • Program Dates: Spring 2025

  • Cost: $150/team

  • Application Deadline: March 2025

Check Boeing Aeromodelling Updates.

38. Altair Optimization Contest

Optimize designs in engineering competitions, using simulation software for efficiency.

  • Eligibility: High school and college

  • Program Dates: Fall 2024–Spring 2025

  • Cost: Free

  • Application Deadline: March 2025

Check Altair Optimization Updates.

39. Honeywell Aerospace Design Challenge

Develop aerospace solutions in engineering competitions, focusing on innovative designs.

  • Eligibility: High school and college

  • Program Dates: Spring 2025

  • Cost: Free

  • Application Deadline: February 2025

Check Honeywell Aerospace Updates.

40. Rohde & Schwarz Engineering Competition

Solve signal analysis challenges in electrical engineering competitions, competing for cash.

  • Eligibility: High school and college

  • Program Dates: Spring 2025

  • Cost: Free

  • Application Deadline: March 2025

Check Rohde & Schwarz Updates.

41. Toy Challenge

Design innovative toys in engineering competitions for grades 5–8, fostering creativity.

  • Eligibility: Grades 5–8

  • Program Dates: Spring 2025

  • Cost: $50/team

  • Application Deadline: February 2025

Check Toy Challenge Updates.

42. Boston University Design Competition

Present engineering projects in competitions for grades 9–11, showcasing innovation.

  • Eligibility: Grades 9–11

  • Program Dates: Spring 2025

  • Cost: $100/team

  • Application Deadline: March 2025

Check Boston University Design Updates.

43. TEAMS (JETS) Competition

Solve engineering challenges through tests and design in team-based engineering competitions.

  • Eligibility: Grades 6–12

  • Program Dates: February–March 2025

  • Cost: $150/team

  • Application Deadline: January 2025

Learn more about TEAMS Competition.

44. Waterloo Engineering Competition

Compete in design challenges in engineering competitions, qualifying for Ontario finals.

  • Eligibility: High school and college

  • Program Dates: Spring 2025

  • Cost: $100/team

  • Application Deadline: February 2025

Check Waterloo Engineering Updates.

45. Ontario Engineering Competition (OEC)

Showcase innovative designs in engineering competitions, advancing from regional qualifiers.

  • Eligibility: High school and college

  • Program Dates: January–February 2025

  • Cost: $150/team

  • Application Deadline: December 2024

Learn more about OEC.

46. ACSA Steel Design Competition

Design steel structures in architectural engineering competitions, focusing on creativity.

  • Eligibility: High school and college

  • Program Dates: Fall 2024–Spring 2025

  • Cost: $100/team

  • Application Deadline: March 2025

Learn more about ACSA Steel Design.

47. Minerva Canada Safety Competition

Integrate safety into engineering designs in competitions, promoting safer technologies.

  • Eligibility: High school and college

  • Program Dates: Spring 2025

  • Cost: Free

  • Application Deadline: February 2025

Learn more about Minerva Safety.

48. IEEE Future Energy Challenge

Develop energy-efficient solutions in electrical engineering competitions, showcasing innovation.

  • Eligibility: High school and college

  • Program Dates: Spring 2025

  • Cost: $200/team

  • Application Deadline: January 2025

Check IEEE Future Energy Updates.

49. SAUVC Autonomous Underwater Robotics

Build autonomous underwater robots in engineering competitions, focusing on system design.

  • Eligibility: High school and college

  • Program Dates: March 2025

  • Cost: $300/team

  • Application Deadline: January 2025

Learn more about SAUVC.

50. MTT-Sat Challenge

Design RF hardware for satellites in engineering competitions, aiming for space qualification.

  • Eligibility: High school and college

  • Program Dates: Fall 2024–Spring 2025

  • Cost: $200/team

  • Application Deadline: March 2025

Learn more about MTT-Sat Challenge.

Engineering Competitions

 

51. CASS Student Design Competition

Create circuits to inspire high schoolers in electrical engineering competitions.

  • Eligibility: High school and college

  • Program Dates: Spring 2025

  • Cost: Free

  • Application Deadline: February 2025

Learn more about CASS Student Design.

52. IEEE Communication Technology Competition

Develop communication solutions in engineering competitions, improving global connectivity.

  • Eligibility: High school and college

  • Program Dates: Spring 2025

  • Cost: $100/team

  • Application Deadline: March 2025

Check IEEE Communication Updates.

53. IEEEXtreme

Solve 24-hour programming challenges in global engineering competitions, testing coding skills.

  • Eligibility: High school and college

  • Program Dates: October 2025

  • Cost: Free

  • Application Deadline: September 2025

Learn more about IEEEXtreme.

54. Hackathon Australia

Compete in coding and engineering challenges in national engineering competitions.

  • Eligibility: Ages 16+

  • Program Dates: Varies, 2025

  • Cost: $50–$100/team

  • Application Deadline: Varies

Learn more about Hackathon Australia.

55. EngineerGirl Writing Contest

Write about engineering’s impact in competitions, blending creativity and technical insight.

  • Eligibility: Grades 3–12

  • Program Dates: September 2024–February 2025

  • Cost: Free

  • Application Deadline: February 2025

Learn more about EngineerGirl Writing.

56. BEST Robotics Competition

Design and build robots for themed challenges in engineering competitions for students.

  • Eligibility: Grades 6–12

  • Program Dates: Fall 2024–December 2025

  • Cost: Free

  • Application Deadline: September 2024

Learn more about BEST Robotics.

57. National Math Competition

Solve math-based engineering problems in competitive engineering competitions for students.

  • Eligibility: Grades 6–12

  • Program Dates: Spring 2025

  • Cost: $50/student

  • Application Deadline: February 2025

Check National Math Competition Updates.

58. ASME Human-Powered Vehicle Challenge

Build human-powered vehicles in engineering competitions, testing design efficiency.

  • Eligibility: High school and college

  • Program Dates: Spring 2025

  • Cost: $200/team

  • Application Deadline: February 2025

Check ASME HPVC Updates.

59. ASME IAM3D Challenge

Design 3D-printed solutions in engineering competitions, focusing on manufacturing innovation.

  • Eligibility: High school and college

  • Program Dates: Spring 2025

  • Cost: $100/team

  • Application Deadline: March 2025

Check ASME IAM3D Updates.

60. ASME Elevator Pitch Competition

Pitch engineering ideas in competitions, honing communication and innovation skills.

  • Eligibility: High school and college

  • Program Dates: Spring 2025

  • Cost: Free

  • Application Deadline: March 2025

Check ASME Elevator Pitch Updates.

61. Future Engineers Challenges

Design tools for space exploration in NASA-sponsored engineering competitions for students.

  • Eligibility: Grades K–12

  • Program Dates: Varies, 2025

  • Cost: Free

  • Application Deadline: Varies

Learn more about Future Engineers.

62. NASA Space Apps Challenge

Develop apps for space missions in global engineering competitions, solving real-world problems.

  • Eligibility: Ages 13+

  • Program Dates: October 2025

  • Cost: Free

  • Application Deadline: September 2025

Learn more about NASA Space Apps.

63. NASA TechRise Student Challenge

Design experiments for high-altitude balloons in engineering competitions, fostering innovation.

  • Eligibility: Grades 6–12

  • Program Dates: Fall 2024–Spring 2025

  • Cost: Free

  • Application Deadline: November 2024

Learn more about NASA TechRise.

64. Conrad Challenge

Create entrepreneurial solutions in engineering competitions, addressing global issues.

  • Eligibility: Ages 13–18

  • Program Dates: October 2024–April 2025

  • Cost: $100/team

  • Application Deadline: November 2024

Learn more about Conrad Challenge.

65. CyberPatriot

Compete in cybersecurity challenges in engineering competitions, securing virtual systems.

  • Eligibility: Grades 6–12

  • Program Dates: October 2024–April 2025

  • Cost: $205/team

  • Application Deadline: October 2024

Learn more about CyberPatriot.

66. Destination Imagination

Solve creative engineering problems in team-based engineering competitions, emphasizing innovation.

  • Eligibility: Grades K–12

  • Program Dates: Fall 2024–May 2025

  • Cost: $150/team

  • Application Deadline: Varies

Learn more about Destination Imagination.

67. Robotics Education & Competition (REC)

Build robots for educational engineering competitions, focusing on programming and design.

  • Eligibility: Grades K–12

  • Program Dates: Fall 2024–Spring 2025

  • Cost: $200/team

  • Application Deadline: Varies

Learn more about REC Competition.

68. Zero Robotics

Program robots for space station challenges in engineering competitions, collaborating globally.

  • Eligibility: Grades 6–12

  • Program Dates: September 2024–January 2025

  • Cost: Free

  • Application Deadline: November 2024

Learn more about Zero Robotics.

69. Junior Solar Sprint

Design solar-powered model cars in engineering competitions, promoting renewable energy.

  • Eligibility: Grades 5–8

  • Program Dates: Spring 2025

  • Cost: $50/team

  • Application Deadline: March 2025

Check Junior Solar Sprint Updates.

70. MATHCOUNTS

Solve math-based engineering problems in competitive engineering competitions for students.

  • Eligibility: Grades 6–8

  • Program Dates: February–March 2025

  • Cost: $30/student

  • Application Deadline: January 2025

Learn more about MATHCOUNTS.

71. Technovation Girls

Develop mobile apps for social impact in engineering competitions, empowering girls.

  • Eligibility: Girls, ages 10–18

  • Program Dates: January–April 2025

  • Cost: Free

  • Application Deadline: March 2025

Learn more about Technovation Girls.

72. eCYBERMISSION

Solve community problems with STEM in engineering competitions, presenting solutions online.

  • Eligibility: Grades 6–9

  • Program Dates: September 2024–April 2025

  • Cost: Free

  • Application Deadline: January 2025

Learn more about eCYBERMISSION.

73. STEMley Cup Championship

Compete in robotics and coding challenges in engineering competitions for students.

  • Eligibility: Grades 6–12

  • Program Dates: Fall 2024–Spring 2025

  • Cost: $150/team

  • Application Deadline: Varies

Learn more about STEMley Cup.

74. NASA Student Launch

Design and launch rockets in aerospace engineering competitions, simulating real missions.

  • Eligibility: Grades 6–12

  • Program Dates: September 2024–April 2025

  • Cost: Free (travel costs apply)

  • Application Deadline: October 2024

Learn more about NASA Student Launch.

75. Robotics for Good Youth Challenge

Build robots for social impact in engineering competitions, addressing global issues.

  • Eligibility: Ages 13–18

  • Program Dates: Spring 2025

  • Cost: Free

  • Application Deadline: March 2025

Learn more about Robotics for Good.

76. Intel AI Global Impact Challenge

Create AI solutions in engineering competitions, addressing societal challenges.

  • Eligibility: Ages 13–18

  • Program Dates: Fall 2024–Spring 2025

  • Cost: Free

  • Application Deadline: February 2025

Check Intel AI Challenge Updates.

77. NSTA Science Challenge

Develop engineering solutions in competitions, focusing on scientific innovation.

  • Eligibility: Grades K–12

  • Program Dates: Spring 2025

  • Cost: $50/team

  • Application Deadline: March 2025

Check NSTA Science Challenge Updates.

78. SPIE Optics and Photonics Challenge

Design optical solutions in engineering competitions, exploring light-based technologies.

  • Eligibility: High school and college

  • Program Dates: Spring 2025

  • Cost: Free

  • Application Deadline: February 2025

Check SPIE Optics Challenge Updates.

79. NASA CubeSat Launch Initiative

Design small satellites in aerospace engineering competitions, aiming for space deployment.

  • Eligibility: High school and college

  • Program Dates: Fall 2024–Spring 2025

  • Cost: Free

  • Application Deadline: February 2025

Check NASA CubeSat Updates.

80. ACS Chemagination

Propose chemical engineering innovations in competitions, blending science and creativity.

  • Eligibility: Grades 9–12

  • Program Dates: Spring 2025

  • Cost: Free

  • Application Deadline: March 2025

Check ACS Chemagination Updates.

81. STEM on the Hill Challenge

Present STEM projects to policymakers in engineering competitions, advocating innovation.

  • Eligibility: Grades 9–12

  • Program Dates: Spring 2025

  • Cost: Free

  • Application Deadline: February 2025

Learn more about STEM on the Hill.

82. Siemens Competition

Submit engineering research projects in competitions, pending potential 2025 revival.

  • Eligibility: Grades 9–12

  • Program Dates: TBD 2025

  • Cost: Free

  • Application Deadline: TBD

Check Siemens Competition Updates.

83. BioenergizeME Infographic Challenge

Create infographics on bioenergy in engineering competitions, promoting renewable solutions.

  • Eligibility: Grades 9–12

  • Program Dates: January–March 2025

  • Cost: Free

  • Application Deadline: March 2025

Check BioenergizeME Updates.

84. National Geographic Slingshot Challenge

Create videos on environmental solutions in engineering competitions, addressing sustainability.

  • Eligibility: Ages 13–18

  • Program Dates: January–April 2025

  • Cost: Free

  • Application Deadline: March 2025

Learn more about Slingshot Challenge.

85. STEM Talent Challenge

Develop STEM solutions for communities in engineering competitions, fostering innovation.

  • Eligibility: Ages 13–18

  • Program Dates: Spring 2025

  • Cost: Free

  • Application Deadline: February 2025

Check STEM Talent Challenge Updates.

86. Odyssey of the Mind

Solve creative engineering problems in team-based engineering competitions, emphasizing innovation.

  • Eligibility: Grades K–12

  • Program Dates: Fall 2024–May 2025

  • Cost: $135/team

  • Application Deadline: Varies

Learn more about Odyssey of the Mind.

87. STEM Design Challenge

Design solutions for real-world problems in local engineering competitions, fostering creativity.

  • Eligibility: Grades 6–12

  • Program Dates: Spring 2025

  • Cost: $50/team

  • Application Deadline: March 2025

Learn more about STEM Design Challenge.

88. National Engineering Design Challenge

Create assistive technologies in engineering competitions, addressing accessibility issues.

  • Eligibility: Grades 9–12

  • Program Dates: Spring 2025

  • Cost: $100/team

  • Application Deadline: February 2025

Learn more about National Engineering Design.

89. Robotics Alliance Project

Build robots for NASA-inspired challenges in engineering competitions, promoting STEM.

  • Eligibility: Grades 6–12

  • Program Dates: Fall 2024–Spring 2025

  • Cost: Free

  • Application Deadline: Varies

Check Robotics Alliance Updates.

90. STEM in Action Challenge

Develop community-focused STEM solutions in engineering competitions, presenting prototypes.

  • Eligibility: Grades 6–12

  • Program Dates: Spring 2025

  • Cost: Free

  • Application Deadline: March 2025

Learn more about STEM in Action.

91. Young Innovators Challenge

Create innovative engineering solutions in competitions, addressing global challenges.

  • Eligibility: Ages 13–18

  • Program Dates: Spring 2025

  • Cost: Free

  • Application Deadline: March 2025

Learn more about Young Innovators.

92. National Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge

Pitch engineering-based startups in competitions, blending innovation and business.

  • Eligibility: Grades 9–12

  • Program Dates: October 2024–April 2025

  • Cost: $100/team

  • Application Deadline: March 2025

Learn more about Youth Entrepreneurship.

93. STEM Star Challenge

Develop STEM projects in engineering competitions, focusing on real-world applications.

  • Eligibility: Grades 6–12

  • Program Dates: Spring 2025

  • Cost: $50/team

  • Application Deadline: March 2025

Learn more about STEM Star Challenge.

94. Global Youth Innovation Challenge

Create solutions for global issues in engineering competitions, showcasing creativity.

  • Eligibility: Ages 13–18

  • Program Dates: Spring 2025

  • Cost: Free

  • Application Deadline: March 2025

Learn more about Global Youth Innovation.

95. NASA Power to Explore Challenge

Propose energy solutions for space missions in engineering competitions, inspired by NASA’s innovative challenges.

  • Eligibility: Grades K–12

  • Program Dates: January–April 2025

  • Cost: Free

  • Application Deadline: January 2025

Learn more about NASA Power to Explore.

96. Intel International Science and Engineering Exhibition (ISEE)

Showcase original engineering projects in global engineering competitions, competing for awards and scholarships.

  • Eligibility: Grades 9–12

  • Program Dates: May 2025

  • Cost: Varies by regional fair

  • Application Deadline: Varies by region

Check Intel ISEE Updates.

97. STEM Wizard Challenge

Develop innovative STEM solutions in engineering competitions, addressing real-world community problems.

  • Eligibility: Grades 6–12

  • Program Dates: Spring 2025

  • Cost: $50/team

  • Application Deadline: March 2025

Learn more about STEM Wizard Challenge.

98. National Youth Science Challenge

Create engineering projects for competitions, focusing on scientific discovery and innovation.

  • Eligibility: Grades 9–12

  • Program Dates: Spring 2025

  • Cost: Free

  • Application Deadline: February 2025

Learn more about National Youth Science.

99. Global Innovation Challenge

Propose solutions for global issues in engineering competitions, showcasing creativity and impact.

  • Eligibility: Ages 13–18

  • Program Dates: Spring 2025

  • Cost: Free

  • Application Deadline: March 2025

Learn more about Global Innovation Challenge.

100. Youth Engineering Expo

Showcase engineering projects in local engineering competitions, promoting hands-on STEM learning.

  • Eligibility: Grades 6–12

  • Program Dates: Spring 2025

  • Cost: $50/team

  • Application Deadline: March 2025

Learn more about Youth Engineering Expo.

Engineering Competitions

 

How to Choose the Right Engineering Competition

With so many options available, selecting the right engineering competition can be the key to a meaningful and rewarding experience. Whether you are in high school or university, consider the following factors to find the engineering competition that best suits your goals and interests.

  • Interest Area : Choose an engineering competition that aligns with your passion, such as robotics, renewable energy, aerospace, civil engineering, or AI. Competing in a field you enjoy will keep you motivated and allow you to showcase your true potential.

  • Location & Cost : Some engineering competitions are hosted on university campuses or international venues, while others are entirely virtual. Consider whether you can afford travel and lodging expenses, or if you prefer online formats that offer flexibility and accessibility.

  • Team or Solo : Determine whether you thrive in team-based challenges or prefer individual research. Some engineering competitions encourage collaboration, communication, and leadership, while others focus on independent problem-solving and innovation.

  • Eligibility : Always review the competition’s requirements, such as age, academic level (high school or college), region, or prior experience. This ensures that you qualify and can focus on preparing effectively.

By thoughtfully selecting the right engineering competition, you will maximize your chances of success while gaining valuable experience that prepares you for college, internships, and future careers in STEM.

 

Final Thoughts: Launch Your Innovation Journey

Whether you are designing a robot, building a sustainable car, or solving real-world infrastructure problems, engineering competitions challenge you to think critically, collaborate effectively, and create real solutions. These events go beyond the classroom by offering hands-on experience, encouraging innovation, and helping students apply science and math to meaningful challenges. Participating in engineering competitions not only builds technical skills but also nurtures creativity, communication, and leadership : qualities that top universities and employers highly value.

Download our College Admissions Report and learn how 400+ Inspirit AI Scholars got accepted to Ivy League Schools in the past 2 years!

From boosting your confidence to strengthening your college applications, engineering competitions can have a lasting impact on your academic and career path. Many students who join these competitions earn scholarships, connect with mentors, and even launch startups based on their ideas. As you explore this guide to top 2025 competitions, consider how each one can help you grow as an innovator and problem solver. Your journey to building a better future can start with the right engineering competition.

 

About Inspirit AI

AI Scholars Live Online is a 10-session (25-hour) program that exposes high school students to fundamental AI concepts and guides them to build a socially impactful project. Taught by our team of graduate students from Stanford, MIT, and more, students receive a personalized learning experience in small groups with a student-teacher ratio of 5:1.

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