uOttawa Engineering Competition

Teams must be composed entirely of University of Ottawa undergraduate engineering students.

No, the competition is free to enter. All materials and resources will be provided (except for Innovative Design). All costs for OEC and CEC are covered for winning teams.

Meals and snacks are provided throughout the day. Register by November 3rd to receive a free lunch. We accommodate dietary restrictions for meals.

The competition lasts one full day. Each category runs its challenge and presentations within that day.

The final deadline to register is November 14, 2025.

Yes! When you register, you will select your preferred category. If you wish to change it later, please contact the VP Internal at internal@uottawaess.ca before the registration deadline.

No, participants can only compete in one category to ensure fairness and allow everyone to focus on their chosen challenge.

Yes! Volunteers are essential to the success of the event. If you're interested in volunteering, please fill out the form below.

No problem! You can register solo and we'll help match you with others interested in the same category.

Yes. The competition is bilingual and we strive to make it accessible to all undergraduate engineering students.

No prior competition experience is required. All categories are designed to be accessible to students at different stages of their degree.

Bring your laptop, student card, and any essentials you'll need for presentations (USB key, charger, etc.). All other materials will be provided unless otherwise specified for your category.

Judges include faculty members, industry professionals, and alumni who provide feedback and evaluate teams.

First-place teams in each category qualify for the Ontario Engineering Competition (January 22–25, 2026, Carleton University). Winning OEC teams advance to the Canadian Engineering Competition at Université de Sherbrooke. All costs for OEC and CEC are covered.

For more information, please contact our uOEC team at competition@uottawaess.ca.

Teams must be composed of a maximum of 4 competitors. Teams must be entirely composed of students who have not yet completed 50% or more of the minimum number of credits required to complete their respective accredited engineering programs.

Solve a design problem based on fundamental engineering principles (forces, mechanics, etc.). Teams must build a working prototype with limited time and resources, then present their solution to the judges.

5 hours of work time.
Limited testing in a designated area.
Judging considers creativity, design quality, teamwork, and presentation.
Submissions include the prototype and a presentation.

Teams must be composed of a maximum of 4 competitors.

Solve an advanced engineering problem that may involve mechanics, electronics, or microcontrollers (e.g., Arduino). Build and present a functional prototype under time and resource constraints.

5 hours of work time.
Limited testing.
Submissions include the prototype and a presentation.

Teams must be composed of a maximum of 4 competitors.

Analyze a large-scale real-world industry problem. Develop a feasible solution and defend it to a panel of judges. Evaluation emphasizes clarity, depth, feasibility, and persuasive delivery.

6–8 hours of work time.
10-minute presentation plus 5-minute Q&A.
Submissions include a written report and a presentation.

Teams must be composed of a maximum of 4 competitors.

Design and implement software to solve a defined problem. Judges assess functionality, readability, documentation, and teamwork.

5 hours of work time.
Submissions include the software, source code, and a presentation.

Teams must be composed of a maximum of 2 competitors.

Explain a complex engineering issue or process to a non-technical audience, take a clear position, and support it with evidence. Judges assess clarity, creativity, and effectiveness in communication.

Submissions include a one-page abstract and a presentation.

Teams must be composed of exactly 2 competitors.

Debate a resolution disclosed on the spot using the parliamentary debate format. Judges assess logic, communication, and critical thinking.

Teams must be composed of a maximum of 6 competitors. Projects may be completed by students who have since graduated, provided the work was prepared before graduation.

Present a pre-existing project developed prior to the competition. Projects may involve new products, services, or improvements to existing designs. Judging considers originality, feasibility, research quality, and presentation. Prototyping is encouraged but not required.

Demonstration materials and a presentation.

Teams must be composed of a maximum of 2 competitors.

Improve or reconfigure an existing design under new constraints, considering materials, costs, and feasibility. Judges evaluate practicality, originality, and innovation.

5 hours of work time.
Submissions include a new design proposal and a presentation.

Teams must be composed of a maximum of 2 competitors.

Solve a bio-engineering problem with applications in health, agriculture, or environmental sustainability. Identify the issues, apply the engineering design process, and present a feasible solution with consideration for societal impacts.

6–8 hours of work time.
10-minute presentation plus 5-minute Q&A.
Submissions include the proposed design solution and a presentation.