2027 SAME Undergraduate Innovation Design Challenge
Submissions for the 2026–27 SAME Undergraduate Innovation Design Challenge open October 15, 2026, and close February 28, 2027. This competition, led by the College Outreach Community of Interest (COI), evaluates design projects being developed by student members as part of their degree curricula and highlights the innovative thinking of the next generation of STEM professionals.
The intent of the Innovation Design Challenge is to showcase existing work already underway to advance engineering and related disciplines and provide students with an opportunity to present their work to SAME industry and government members. Projects submitted for consideration are expected to be of the caliber of senior design or capstone projects.
Submissions will be evaluated on how effectively they communicate the purpose of the project, the design process, and its technical merit. Teams of three to five members should concisely communicate their design process, demonstrate the use of sound analysis throughout the project, and present their work in a way that is easily understandable to both technical and non-technical audiences.
Prize money is awarded to 1st, 2nd and 3rd place teams—this amount will be announced soon.
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Competition Details
Team Requirements
All team members must be undergraduate students and current student members of SAME. SAME student membership is free for undergraduate students. For more information or to join, visit Student Membership.
Teams must consist of three to five undergraduate students. Submissions should be based on capstone, senior design, or comparable design projects that demonstrate the application of engineering, technical, or related STEM principles.
Each submission must include the following information for every team member:
- Full name
- Email address
- Academic year
- SAME membership number
Submission Process
The 2026–27 SAME Undergraduate Innovation Design Challenge will consist of two phases.
Phase 1 – Abstract Submission – 300 to 500 words
Teams will submit a 300- to 500-word abstract summarizing their project. The abstract should clearly describe the project’s purpose, key concepts, engineering or scientific principles, design approach, and initial findings or anticipated results.
Applications open October 15, 2026, and Phase 1 submissions are due February 28, 2027.
Abstracts will be reviewed, and selected teams will be invited to advance to Phase 2 of the competition.
Phase 2 – Video Presentation Submission
Teams selected to advance to Phase 2 will submit a five- to 10-minute video presentation in MP4 format with audio.
The presentation should tell the story of the project from concept through results. Teams should address the problem or need their project seeks to solve; the development of the concept and design; planning, engineering analysis, and design decisions; building or prototyping, when applicable; testing, iteration, and refinement; final or calculated results; and the project’s potential application and impact.
Projects that do not involve physical construction should clearly communicate their methodology, analysis, calculations, and results.
Additional guidance is provided in the Submission Rubric below. Detailed Phase 2 instructions, including the submission deadline and technical requirements, will be provided to teams selected to advance.
Submission Rubric
Submissions will be graded on 10 categories, with up to 10 points for each for a total score out of 100 points.
| Criteria | Description | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Engineering & Technical Merit | Demonstrates sound engineering principles, appropriate analysis, technical depth, testing, and evidence supporting the design and its performance. | 20 |
| Design Process & Project Development | Demonstrates a systematic engineering design process, including concept development, design decisions, building/prototyping, testing, iteration, and refinement. | 20 |
| Innovation, Impact & Application | Demonstrates an innovation with clear value, practical application, and potential for implementation, adoption, or broader impact. | 30 |
| Video Presentation & Professional Communication | Clearly, accurately, and succinctly communicates the innovation. The video is well organized and effectively explains the problem, engineering approach, solution, results, and significance. | 30 |
| Total | 100 |
Timeline
October 15, 2026: The Innovation Challenge Application opens
February 26, 2027: Round 1–Abstracts due by 11:59pm ET
March 1, 2027: Teams advancing to Round 2 will be notified by this date or earlier based on Abstract submission
March 31, 2027: Round 2 Video Presentations due
April 9, 2027: Results announced
Awards
1st Place: TBD
2nd Place: TBD
3rd Place: TBD
Selection
The review committee will be composed of SAME industry and government members, and members of the College Outreach COI. Winning teams will be publicized inTME magazine and the SAME website.
Any questions about the competition or how to submit your design can be directed to Sarah Feighery, SAME Program Manager.
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