2026 Minds Underground 99Engineering & Design Innovation Challenge

The 2026 Minds Underground 99Engineering & Design Innovation Challenge is an international design competition inviting students to create a wearable technology solution that addresses a real-world need. The competition is aimed at students in Years 10 612 (typically ages 15 617) and encourages applicants to apply principles of design engineering, product innovation and human-centred design.

Entrants compete for the Minds Underground 99Engineering Prize with winners and runners-up chosen across categories including Best inventive idea, Most realistic idea and Most visual submission. Entrants must produce a two-page PDF (a bibliography may be a third page) of up to 1000 words that includes sections detailing purpose, target customer, aesthetics & design, functions & technologies, an explanation of the underlying engineering and scientific principles, and a note on sustainability, materials and energy use.

Submissions should include at least one labelled sketch or diagram and demonstrate research quality and clarity. The organisers offer feedback from mentors experienced in design engineering and STEM research.

Submissions are made online via the Google Form on the competition page; only one entry per person is permitted and late entries cannot be considered. The challenge is presented alongside further Minds Underground STEM opportunities (clubs, research projects and summer schools) for students interested in pursuing engineering at university and offers a route to develop material for personal statements and interviews.