Entries are now open for the QinetiQ Schools’ Powerboat Challenge 2026

The QinetiQ Schools’ Powerboat Challenge gives teams of up to five pupils (Years 7 to 10) the chance to design and build a radio controlled model powerboat, before racing it in our large Ocean Basin facility at the Haslar Marine Technology Park.
Pupils attending the powerboat challenge 2026 at the Ocean Basin facility at the Haslar Marine Technology Park.

It’s a fun, hands on STEM experience that helps pupils develop problem solving skills, understand real world engineering principles and showcase their ideas at a regional level.

Event Location

Haslar Marine Technology Park, Gosport

QinetiQ is a leading global defence and security business, and our maritime division provides specialist advice across all aspects of vessel design throughout a ship’s life cycle. The Ocean Basin is one of our flagship facilities and an exciting environment for students to experience engineering in action.

QinetiQ's powerboat from the 2026 challenge at the Ocean Basin facility at the Haslar Marine Technology Park.

What’s New for 2026

This year’s challenge includes a refreshed timeline:

  • NEW – Kick off school visit to Haslar: May
  • Model build window: May to November
  • Race Day: 13 November 2026

Entry Requirements

By signing up, schools agree to the following:

  • Provide one primary contact who can respond to event communications.
  • Enter one team per school (maximum two teachers and five pupils, Years 7–10).
  • Be able to attend a visit in May for the challenge kick off.
  • Be available on Race Day.
  • Arrange their own travel to Haslar for both the kick off visit and Race Day.
  • Complete and return media and visitor forms (sent after sign up). Teams without completed forms one week before the event cannot be admitted on site.

If you have any questions, please contact HaslarSTEM@QinetiQ.com.

Entry deadline: 30 April 2026

What to Expect on Race Day

Pupils will present a logbook and visual display showing how they approached the design and build process. They’ll also meet QinetiQ scientists, engineers and mathematicians who will explore their thinking, test results and design decisions.

Throughout the day, students will have the chance to talk to QinetiQ employees about their roles and see how science, technology, engineering and mathematics can lead to exciting and varied careers.

Awards and Prizes

Several awards will be presented, and the winning team will be invited back to Haslar Marine Technology Park for an exclusive guided tour of our world class facilities. This behind the scenes visit offers a unique insight into ship and submarine design, helping pupils connect what they’ve learned with real engineering applications.

QinetiQ's powerboat from the 2026 challenge at the Ocean Basin facility at the Haslar Marine Technology Park.

Find out more

Read about last year’s challenge: https://www.qinetiq.com/en/news/powerboat-challenge-2025.


02/03/2026

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