The QinetiQ Industry Powerboat Challenge invites teams from across the marine sector to design, build and race a radio controlled model powerboat in our world class Ocean Basin facility. Up to five colleagues can form a team and put their engineering, design and innovation skills to the test.
Entry deadline: 1 June 2026
Entries are now open for the QinetiQ Industry Powerboat Challenge 2026
About the Challenge
The Industry Powerboat Challenge returns for 2026, and once again takes place inside QinetiQ’s Ocean Basin at the Haslar Marine Technology Park, Gosport. Each team will design and build a model powerboat before competing head to head against other organisations in the maritime industry. It’s a great opportunity to:
- put engineering principles into practice
- test design ideas in a controlled environment
- collaborate with colleagues in a hands on challenge
- experience QinetiQ’s cutting edge maritime facilities
QinetiQ is a leading global defence and security business. Our maritime division supports a wide range of marine projects, providing specialist advice across all aspects of vessel design throughout the life cycle of a ship.
Awards and Industry Engagement
A number of awards will be presented on the day.
In addition, the winning team will be invited back the following day to demonstrate their design to secondary school students participating in the Schools’ Powerboat Challenge. This gives students a unique opportunity to see how professional teams approached the challenge and consider how they might improve their own designs.
Rules and Guidance
Once sign up closes, all registered teams will receive a rule pack containing:
- course details
- permitted hardware options
- design limits
- health and safety guidance
- engineering constraints to ensure fair competition
Challenge Timeline
- Entry deadline: 1 June 2026
- Rules and requirements issued: After entries close
- Model build window: June – November
- Race Day: 12 November 2026
Entry Requirements
By signing up, teams agree to the following:
- Provide one primary contact who can respond to event communications.
- A maximum of five team members may attend on the day.
- Teams must be available to attend the full event on 12 November.
- Travel to the Haslar site must be arranged by the participating organisation.
- All team members must complete media and visitor forms (sent after sign up).
Without completed forms one week before the event, the team cannot be admitted on site.
For any questions, please contact HaslarSTEM@QinetiQ.com. Entries close on 1 June 2026.
04/03/2026
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