The RS Student Fund is here to empower student engineers by providing up to £1000 in support for student-led projects, societies, competitions, sponsorships, events, and more.
At RS, we are dedicated to building the skills of the next generation of engineers. We understand young engineers' challenges in pursuing their passions and turning their ideas into reality. That's why we offer this fund to support your endeavours and help you thrive in your engineering journey.
Meet our UK winners!
Announcement 01/10/2024
University of Nottingham | HackNotts
HackNotts is an annual student hackathon, open to university and recently graduated students run by the University of Nottingham's HackSoc. This year in October (26th-27th) will be its 11th year running, and hackers from around the UK will have the opportunity to attend workshops, create innovative projects, and work together for 24 hours to create something amazing!
King's College London | KCL Womxn in STEM Society
KCL Womxn in STEM (WiSTEM) was founded at King's College London in 2015 by a group of students in the departments of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). We are a network of students, professionals, academics, and researchers who aim to support underrepresented women and non-binary individuals in STEM.
University of Strathclyde | StrathAIS
The Strathclyde Aerospace Innovation Society was founded in 2019. The goal is to; give students the platform to develop themselves as engineers and leaders, fill the practical skill gap at university, participate in top student aerospace competitions, and act as a link between students and industry.
The University of Sheffield | Individual Project - Max Penny
This project is to redesign the suspension linkage of a current mountain bike to improve its performance. As part of this, Max has had to reverse engineer a kinematic model of the suspension linkage to determine its current performance and apply an iterative method to achieve the performance specifications required.
Announcement 01/11/2024
Announcement 01/12/2024
University of Edinburgh | TideTech
TideTech is a student engineering society at the University of Edinburgh aiming to design, build, and test a Tidal Turbine. This turbine is designed to be a sustainable solution to the energy needs of small island developing states (SIDS) and is therefore intended to be locally manufacturable and maintainable. The turbine is in its second iteration, which we are developing to include better maintenance access, a more powerful generator, and a hydrodynamically optimised blade design.
Cranfield University | Unmanned Intelligent Aerial Systems (UIAS) Society
Unmanned Intelligent Aerial Systems (UIAS) Society, is a purely student led society under the branch of Cranfield Student Association (CSA). Our primary aim is to foster independent research and project implementation among students, providing them with valuable opportunities to apply their skills and enhance their practical knowledge.
Imperial College London | Project Svarog
Project Svarog is the fastest growing engineering initiative within Imperial College London, working towards becoming the first civilian-led mission to reach the heliopause using solar sail propulsion. Over the past year, we have made significant progress in refining our mission design, optimising solar sail technologies, and expanding our interdisciplinary team of Imperial students.
University College London | UCL Team Nova
UCL Team Nova has begun a 1st Year Only Quadcopter project for the IMechE UAS Challenge, giving new students their first taste in autonomous drone technology. With guidance from team leads, students will go through the entire design process.
University of Southampton | STORM
We are designing and building a 6 degree-of-freedom satellite docking simulator. This is a robot manipulator to move satellite docking hardware in a realistic space orbital environment, and it will be used for affordable and accessible testing of space hardware.
University of Strathclyde | StrathSEDS
We are StrathSEDS, the University of Strathclyde’s branch of UKSEDS (Students for the Exploration and Development of Space). In addition to providing a space for students to learn about and engage with the space industry, much of our focus goes towards our various rocketry projects. This year our main projects are competing in Mach 25 and NRC, as well as working towards certification for our student developed flight computer, Firefly Ultra. Our project team members work within our mechanical, electrical and coding sub teams to design, build and prepare our rockets for launch.
University of Warwick | Warwick Boring Team
Warwick Boring is a student project consisting of current University of Warwick students and graduates that aims to revolutionize the tunnelling industry. Our team’s success is built on designing and constructing an innovative Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) from the ground up, competing against over 400 teams worldwide to take part in Not-a-Boring Competition hosted by Elon Musk's The Boring Company and Space-X.
University of Sunderland | Individual Project - Leandro Jose Campos Saurith
I am developing a pioneering approach to tidal energy harvesting that leverages the natural rise and fall of tides to generate substantial, renewable energy. This project requires specialized materials and components to construct a prototype that efficiently stores and converts tidal movements into usable energy.
University College London | UCL Racing R&D
At UCL Racing I am the leader of the Research and Development team. Our project is to develop UCL's First High Voltage (HV) Fully Electric Powertrain to be implemented in a Formula Student vehicle to be tested, optimised and build knowledge and experience within the students. This project not only advances sustainable engineering but also positions our team at the forefront of intelligent and eco-friendly vehicle technology—a critical area as the world transitions to electric mobility.
Durham University | Durham Robotics
Durham Robotics is a new student society launched this year by three second-years at Durham University. It has already gained lots of interest from students studying a variety of subjects, including computer science, physics, maths, and engineering. Over half of the society executive team is female, and we are committed to promoting inclusion and diversity in the field of robotics.
University of Leicester | Project ARGO
We are Project ARGO, a student team entering the IMechE UAS challenge, and only the second ever team from our institution, the University of Leicester. The IMechE UAS Challenge is an international competition centred on student teams building a UAV to provide humanitarian aid following a simulated environmental disaster in an urban area. Project ARGO will consist of a fuselage to hold cargo (aid package) with a top mounted semi-blended removable main wing, roughly 3m wingspan, with a joint fuselage mounted twin boom.
University of Bath | Individual Project - Gauthier Charbon
I am a final-year Mechanical Engineering student at the University of Bath, specialising in sustainable and clean-energy solutions for transportation. I am working on a hydrogen fuel cell project, creating a prototype powertrain system designed for small-scale mobility applications, such as electric bikes and scooters.
University of Leicester | UoL Group A
Our project is to design and manufacture a bespoke reasonably priced dedicated simulation unit that closely matches the driver user experience of the University's Formula Student racing vehicle. We aim to manufacture similar pedals, a force feedback steering wheel, a gearstick and a seat for our racing simulator to make the simulator as realistic as possible.
University of Bath | Individual Project - Nils Mallet
During my Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Bath, I had the opportunity to develop a deeper understanding of hydrogen fuel cells and their integration into small mobility. My Group Business and Design Project (GBDP) focused on designing a theoretical hydrogen fuel cell from the ground up, specifically tailoring its components—such as membranes, catalysts, gas diffusion layers, and flow fields—to suit the requirements of small mobility. This work gave me a solid theoretical foundation, allowing me to analyse the performance and efficiency of hydrogen fuel cells under various conditions. However, it lacked a hands-on, experimental element, which is something I aim to address through my Final Year Project (FYP).
University College London | UCL Rocket
At UCL Rocket, we design, build and launch high-performance rockets, competing nationally and internationally. With each project, we inspire and equip the next generation of rocketeers with industry-ready skills. Founded in 2021, our team has won 1st place at the UK National Rocketry Championship for 2 consecutive years. Here we designed and built a rocket to fly to 2,500 feet, competing against 50 teams from UK and international universities each year. Our rocket included PID controlled air-brakes and a custom built GPS system.
University of Leeds | Gryphon Arrows
This year marks the first time we are building a team for the IMechE UAS Challenge, this grant would aid the team in the manufacturing of the UAV . This support is essential to the team's success, not only for this year’s competition but also in establishing a foundation for participation in future competition.
Recently we have developed the world's first magnetic electronics kit that is designed for 7yr to 12yr olds. For the product validation and testing we have started to offer primary schools in the North of England the opportunity for us to come in a run a couple of free sessions with the children to get hands-on with our learning kit.
University of Oxford | Oxford Aerospace and Rocketry Society
We are a new aerospace engineering focused student society, participating in two main competitions this year: Mach 25 and the National Rocketry Championship from UKSEDS. Alongside these competitions we are running talks and skills sessions to develop our members interest and practical ability related to aerospace.
University of Southampton | GHOST (Geostationary Hazard Observation & Surveillance Technology)
The GHOST project is a 4th year university engineering design project dedicated to advancing Non-Earth Imaging (NEI) in Geostationary Orbit (GEO) through the design, development, and testing of an innovative tracking system for space-based sensors. This system addresses key challenges in Space Domain Awareness (SDA) by enhancing tracking flexibility and increasing the off-nadir imaging capabilities of hosted payloads, enabling precise targeting of objects without requiring spacecraft reorientation.
University of Bath | Team Bath Drones
IMECHE UAS Challenge Competition 2025. The challenge is to design an air vehicle with a storage and transport container and ground control station. The vehicle must be assembled within 6 minutes, have the ability to manually fly to assess handling qualities as well as autonomously complete a payload delivery mission. After this, it must be safely recovered and returned to storage.
University of Glasgow | Individual Project - Dean Quinn
The current shin guard market employs a "universal" design principle which has unfortunately excluded female athletes. For example if you go online right now and look at the male and female sections, you will see the exact same products, with the exact same dimensions and materials. However, these products are all designed for men! As more women start playing sport the market for shin guards designed for women will open up. My project aims to design shin guards specifically for female athletes.
De Montfort University | DMU Merlin
DMU Merlin is a group of students who come together as part of a multidisciplinary team that competes in the IMeche's UAS challenge. DMU Merlin has been competing for four years, and hopes to achieve innovation in areas of design, concepts, manufacturing, safety and ways of working. The aims of our project is to design, manufacture, build and fly a fully autonomous UAS (Unmanned Aerial System), that is capable of flying within the IMeche's UAS challenge 2025.
Announcement 1/01/2025
The University of Sheffield | Avis Drone Labs
Avis Drone Labs is a student led drone project working on seven distinct sub projects. Two of these sub projects participate in international competitions. Within Avin Drone Labs, it is important to replicate industry standards to ensure team members can gain stakeholder management experience.
The University of Sheffield | Sheffield Bionics
Sheffield Bionics is a student society focused on building set of bionic-based projects. The current bionic projects focus on increasing degrees of freedom, improving auto stabilisation, and human and animal-centred design techniques.
University College London | UCL HyperMile
UCL HyperMile is a team of students determined to build an ultra-efficient hydrogen fuel powered car with over 12 nationalities represented. The car is built to race at the Shell Eco-Marathon Europe &Africa competition, with a goal to demonstrate the potential of hydrogen by setting a new record for fuel efficiency aiming to exceed 6,175km/litre.
University of Bath | BathRocket
Bath Rocket is a student-led organisation dedicated to advancing engineering innovation through high-power rocketry. Since its founding in 2017, the team has achieved significant milestones, including its first successful flight at the European Rocketry Competition (EuRoC) in 2022. The focused on pushing boundaries by developing a student-researched and developed (SRAD) rocket for the 2025 EuRoC, alongside an ambitious attempt to break the N-class altitude world record of 19.5 km using a custom-designed motor and innovative airbrake system. The team provides students platform to develop technical and project management skills, serving as a steppingstone for development.
Announcement 01/02/2025
Astute Bikes – Sheffield Hallam University
A team of five passionate engineering students from Sheffield Hallam University is pushing the boundaries of bike design with their project, Astute Bikes. With a shared love for mountain biking, they are developing a custom full-suspension bike from the ground up, combining theoretical knowledge with hands-on manufacturing. Their innovative approach uses carbon fibre tubing and metal lugs to create a lightweight yet strong frame, optimised through extensive kinematic analysis.
The RS Student Fund will support their materials and manufacturing costs, helping them bring their vision to life. Beyond personal development, the team hopes to leave a lasting impact, inspiring future students and advancing bike frame technology.
Queen’s Propulsion Laboratory – Queen’s University Belfast
Queen’s Propulsion Laboratory (QPL), part of the Aerospace Society at Queen’s University Belfast, is a student-led team dedicated to advancing aerospace engineering through national and international competitions. In just their first year, they competed in UK Race2Space, UKSEDS Olympus Rover Trials, and Mach-X rocketry, winning the Olympus Rover Trials and making history as the first Northern Ireland team in these events.
With 60 members and four competitions in 2024, QPL is expanding its reach. The RS Student Fund will support their participation in the UK Race2Space propulsion competition, covering travel and accommodation costs to the Westcott Space Cluster for crucial engine testing. Their work not only enhances students' hands-on experience in propulsion technology but also inspires future engineers through university open days, industry events, and STEM outreach.
Luke Barber – University of Glasgow & The Glasgow School of Art
Luke Barber, a 5th-year Product Design Engineering student, is using the RS Student Fund to develop his Final Year Project, which will contribute 50% of his university grade. His innovative design focuses on a customisable lamping system that can be delivered flat-packed through a letterbox, revolutionising e-commerce convenience and sustainability.
Luke's lamp allows users to mix and match components, creating a personalised and modular lighting solution. His project explores recycled materials, foldable plug designs, and sensor-based controls, aiming for a mass-manufacturable and user-centric final product. The RS Student Fund will support material prototyping, electrical component testing, and final product development, ensuring Luke can showcase his work at his degree show and beyond.
Engineers Without Borders Oxford – University of Oxford
EWBOx empowers students to tackle global challenges through engineering. With RS Student Fund support, they’ll advance:
- OxReGen Renewable Energy Project – Powering a Somali health facility with wind energy.
- Low-Cost Object-Tracking Robot – Supporting mobility and medical sample transfer.
- Oxford EDI Initiative – Reducing bias in hiring with AI-driven blind interviews.
- STEM Outreach – Inspiring underrepresented students through workshops and mentoring.
Funding will drive project development, outreach, and events, equipping students with hands-on experience for real-world impact.
OptiSync University Team – Queen Mary University of London
OptiSync University Team at Queen Mary University of London is developing a wearable device to assist visually impaired individuals in finding vacant seats on public transport. The device translates optical signals from a camera into EMG signals, allowing users to locate seats through haptic feedback. Unlike traditional assistive tools, it offers a discreet and non-invasive alternative, prioritising user comfort and independence.
The team is focused on building and refining a functional prototype, incorporating user feedback through testing, and preparing for competitions such as Cybathlon. By improving accessibility and mobility, this project aims to empower visually impaired individuals and expand the possibilities of sensory substitution technology.
Jamie Clarke – University of Glasgow & The Glasgow School of Art
Jamie Clarke, a 5th-year Product Design Engineering student, is using the RS Student Fund to develop a safety device for professional time-trial cyclists. His project addresses the growing issue of reduced visibility caused by aerodynamic head-down riding positions, which can lead to accidents in competitive cycling.
Jamie is exploring optical and technological solutions, including cameras, screens, and mirrors, to redirect a rider’s sight without compromising aerodynamics or performance. The RS Student Fund will support prototyping, real-world testing with amateur athletes, and material experimentation, helping Jamie refine his design and contribute to the future of cycling safety.
Killian Maguire – University of Glasgow
Killian Maguire, a 5th-year Product Design Engineering student, is using the RS Student Fund to develop a "streaming jukebox" – a device that allows multiple users to curate and queue music collaboratively without needing a mobile phone. Designed for social settings like dinner parties and game nights, the product enhances the streaming experience with an intuitive, haptic interface.
The key engineering challenge involves integrating a music streaming service's API into a seamless physical interface. The RS Student Fund will support prototyping, electronic components, and manufacturing services, helping Killian refine his design ahead of its showcase at the Glasgow School of Art Degree Show.
Essex CSEE Rovers – University of Essex
Essex CSEE Rovers, are using the RS Student Fund to design and build a scale Mars rover for the UKSEDS Olympus Rover Trials. This competition gives university students hands-on experience in engineering and the spaceflight industry while fostering teamwork and problem-solving skills.
The funding will support the construction of their rover, covering essential components like motors and PCBs, as well as travel costs for outreach activities. The team is also engaging with local schools to inspire future engineers. Their journey will culminate in testing their rover at Airbus’s Mars mockup facility.
SHUROC – Sheffield Hallam University
Sheffield Hallam University Rocketry Team (SHUROC) are using the RS Student Fund to support their newly established rocketry society. The team is working on cutting-edge aerospace projects, including designing a liquid bi-propellant rocket engine and competing in prestigious events such as the Race2Space National Propulsion Competition and the UKSEDS National Rocketry Competition.
The funding will help equip their lab with essential tools and safety equipment while also covering manufacturing costs and travel expenses for competitions and outreach activities. SHUROC is committed to inspiring future engineers and pushing the boundaries of aerospace innovation.
Announcement 01/03/2025
Glasgow University Drones (GUD) – University of Glasgow
Glasgow University Drones (GUD) Society is pioneering innovative drone technology at the University of Glasgow. Their ambitious projects include Bumblebee, an autonomous delivery drone; Cricket, a performance-tracking drone for the Scottish National Cricket Team; and Ladybug, a hybrid drone designed for search and rescue missions.
With support from the RS Student Fund, GUD will invest in lab equipment, components, and infrastructure to further develop these groundbreaking projects. Their long-term vision includes a drone show over the university by 2027, showcasing their engineering achievements and inspiring future generations.
Brum Eco Racing – University of Birmingham
Brum Eco Racing, a multidisciplinary student team at the University of Birmingham, is designing and building an energy-efficient car for the international Shell Eco-marathon. With a diverse team of 60 students, the society provides hands-on training in manufacturing and engineering while actively engaging in STEM outreach across the West Midlands.
The RS Student Fund will support their transition to a more efficient battery-electric powertrain, alongside a redesigned carbon fibre chassis and a smaller lithium-ion battery pack. Their ambitious timeline aims for a fully tested vehicle by April, in preparation for the 2025 Shell Eco-marathon competition in Poland.
ManSEDS – University of Manchester
ManSEDS, the University of Manchester’s student rocketry and space society, supports over 125 members from foundation to PhD level. The RS Student Fund will provide essential equipment for their workshop and projects, benefiting hundreds of students.
The funding will support a wide range of initiatives, including an advanced materials research programme, flight computer development, and participation in the UKSEDS National Rocketry Competition. ManSEDS also plays a key role in outreach, providing equipment and launch support for schools. Their ambitious timeline includes multiple rocket launches and hybrid rocket test firings throughout 2024 and 2025.
UCL Human-Powered Submarine Team - University College London
The UCL Human-Powered Submarine Team is pioneering sustainable marine technology through cutting-edge innovation in hydrodynamics and propulsion. As London’s first university team to enter both the International Submarine Races (ISR) and the European International Submarine Races (eISR), they are rapidly advancing from design to full-scale testing.
With RS supplying a significant portion of their components, the RS Student Fund will support the manufacturing of critical propulsion parts, ensuring efficiency and reliability. Their ambitious timeline includes open-water testing in Gosport and final assembly ahead of eISR 2026, positioning UCL as a leader in student-led marine engineering.
Abdallah Ceesay - University of Plymouth
Abdallah Ceesay, a final-year Robotics student at the University of Plymouth, is merging his passion for aviation and robotics to develop a full-motion flight simulator. Using telemetry data from Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020, the system will drive a motion platform powered by linear actuators, providing real-time flight dynamics for an immersive experience.
With support from the RS Student Fund, Abdallah aims to source essential actuators to complete the project. This innovative simulator will offer a more affordable alternative to commercial flight training, benefiting aspiring pilots, aviation enthusiasts, and students exploring aerospace engineering and robotics.
I.J. Nzeama - Nottingham Trent University
I.J. Nzeama, a third-year Biomedical Engineering student at Nottingham Trent University, is developing a 3D breast cancer organoid and a VR experience to visualise its extracellular matrix (ECM). This innovative project integrates biomedical engineering, computational modelling, and immersive technology to enhance the understanding of breast cancer at a cellular level.
With support from the RS Student Fund, I.J. aims to access CAD and imaging software, VR development tools, and high-quality 3D printing materials. This research has significant potential in both education and medical science, offering new ways for researchers, medical professionals, and students to explore tumour microenvironments.
Durham University Solar Car (DUSC) – Durham University
Durham University Solar Car (DUSC), the UK’s leading solar car team and British champions at the 2024 iLumen European Solar Challenge. The team is now preparing for the 2025 Bridgestone World Solar Challenge, a 3,000km race across Australia powered solely by solar energy.
The RS Student Fund will support the electrical fit-out of their latest vehicle, DUSC2025, ensuring a high-performance and reliable system. The funding will contribute to essential components such as contactors, passive components for PCBs, and wiring systems. DUSC also plays a significant role in STEM outreach, inspiring young engineers through school visits and events like the Goodwood Festival of Speed.
Cambridge University Riviera Racing - University of Cambridge
Cambridge University Riviera Racing, a student-led team developing a fully electric catamaran for the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge in July 2025. Their goal is to showcase the potential of electric propulsion in achieving a zero-emission maritime future.
The RS Student Fund will contribute to the purchase of a Bluefin II electric outboard motor, developed in partnership with Lynch Motor Company. This cutting-edge motor will enhance the boat’s reliability, manoeuvrability, and performance. The team is currently in the build phase, with rigorous testing planned before the final competition in Monaco.
SOAR-Gripper (Scalable Origami Inspired Active Recovery Gripper) - University of Southampton
The SOAR-Gripper team, is developing an innovative origami-inspired space debris gripper. Their project aims to tackle the growing challenge of orbital debris by using a scalable, shape-adaptive gripper based on the waterbomb origami pattern and shape-memory alloys.
The RS Student Fund will support the purchase of essential electrical components for their control circuit, as well as materials to ensure the gripper’s feasibility for space applications. The team plans to have a fully functional prototype by April, with testing running through to their final presentations in June.
Brandon Hunter - Lancaster University
Brandon Hunter, a third-year Mechanical Engineering student at Lancaster University, is developing a portable compressed earth block (CEB) machine to provide sustainable building materials for underprivileged communities in central Africa. His innovative, flat-pack design improves on traditional bulky CEB machines by using a scissor-jack mechanism for compression, making it more portable and cost-effective.
The RS Student Fund will help cover material costs for at least two prototypes, ensuring the device is both functional and scalable. If successful, Brandon plans to open-source his design, making it accessible to communities worldwide.
University of Glasgow – BruGenie Smart Coffee Dispenser
LBruGenie, an innovative coffee dispenser that prevents overflows by measuring cup volume in real-time using mobile ultrasonic sensors. This smart system encourages reusable cups, reducing waste while ensuring precise dispensing.
Powered by a Raspberry Pi 5, BruGenie adapts to any cup size, making it ideal for offices, cafés, and universities. The RS Student Fund will support prototype development, including sensor integration, heating, and fluid dispensing systems. The team will share progress through social media, engaging the public in their sustainability-focused engineering journey.
University of Glasgow – RF Multiplexing team
The RF Multiplexing team at the University of Glasgow are developing a low-cost, chipless RFID reader to revolutionise RFID technology. Their project, Scalable Readout RF Sensors: Green Electronics Without Chips, aims to replace traditional semiconductor-based RFID systems with a more sustainable and cost-effective alternative.
By using RLC-based chipless tags and a custom multiplexing solution, the team will enable simultaneous reading of multiple RFID tags without relying on costly semiconductor chips. This innovation has applications in retail, logistics, and smart packaging, reducing electronic waste and making RFID technology more accessible.
With support from the RS Student Fund, the team will prototype their system, including RF PCB fabrication and component integration, contributing to sustainable electronics and open-source research.
University of Warwick - Warwick Aerospace
Warwick Aerospace - Mach-2 team are taking on the challenge of competing in the Mach-25 Rocketry & CanSat Competition for the first time. Their goal is to design, build, and launch a two-stage rocket capable of reaching 2 km, deploying a CanSat that will use deep neural networks for image recognition during descent.
With support from the Midlands Rocketry Club, UKSEDS, and their academic supervisor, the team is focused on meeting key competition milestones, with a test launch scheduled for May 2025. The RS Student Fund will help cover essential rocket motors and components, ensuring a successful entry into the competition.
Looking ahead, the team aspires to participate in the UK Race to Space, fostering aerospace infrastructure, research, and industry collaboration at the University of Warwick. Their commitment to sustainability, diversity, and knowledge-sharing ensures a lasting impact on future engineering students.
University of Glasgow - OpenFlexure Group
Ben Chisholm and the OpenFlexure Group at the University of Glasgow are using the RS Student Fund to support an innovative teacher training workshop. Their project focuses on the OpenFlexure Microscope—a low-cost, 3D-printed, automated microscope designed using RS components.
The team will train high school teachers to build and use these microscopes, empowering them to run workshops for their own students. This hands-on approach enhances STEM education by allowing students to assemble the microscope themselves, deepening their understanding of engineering, optics, and digital microscopy
The funding will enable the purchase of components for at least four microscopes, travel support for teachers, and catering for the workshop. By equipping teachers with the skills to deliver their own sessions, the project has the potential to reach hundreds of students, particularly those in underserved communities.
Announcement 01/06/2025
UCLAN Rocketeers - University of Central Lancashire
UCLan Rocketeers are aiming high in the UKSEDS MACH-25 rocketry competition. This 15-strong, multidisciplinary student team from the University of Central Lancashire is building a fully carbon fibre, UKRA-certified solid-fuel rocket designed to reach 2km altitude at Mach 1.05.
After placing 7th last year with a minimal £273 budget, the team was seeking funding to help cover key components such as a high-powered L1000 motor, flight controllers, imaging payloads, and carbon fibre materials. The team has grown significantly in interest and diversity, with over 50 students applying to join this year and an estimated 500 potentially inspired by the project.
Backed by a structured timeline and ESA-style design reviews, the Rocketeers’ 2025 launch is set to not only break technical barriers but also spark widespread engagement in student rocketry.
GECo CubeSat: Green and Environmentally Conscious CubeSat - University of Southampton
With support from RS, the six-person team is developing environmentally conscious 1U CubeSat structures using alternative materials such as high-grade woods and biopolymers, aiming to reduce the environmental impact of small satellites from design to disposal.
Motivated by concerns over satellite materials contributing to ozone layer depletion, the team will benchmark current industry-standard CubeSat structures against their green alternatives through rigorous testing under simulated launch and space conditions. The project is supervised by space researchers Dr. Minkwan Kim and Dr. Taiwo Tejumola and represents the first stage of a multi-year initiative.
GECo CubeSat has the potential to position the UK at the forefront of sustainable space innovation — and inspire future collaboration and outreach across academia and industry.
UCL Rover - University College London
A 29-member interdisciplinary team building a Mars rover inspired by NASA’s Curiosity and Perseverance. Competing in the prestigious European Rover Challenge, the team aims to represent UCL in Poland in 2025, pushing boundaries in autonomy, robotics, and systems engineering.
Structured across seven technical sub-teams — from Robotic Arm and Science Cache to Autonomous & Control — UCL Rover brings together bright minds across disciplines. With support from RS, they’re able to cover vital components like motors, sensors, mapping equipment, and cameras, accelerating their final build ahead of the qualification deadline.
More than a one-off project, UCL Rover is a long-term initiative supported by the university’s Mechanical Engineering department and UCL Racing, with plans extending up to 10 years. RS’s support will help the team refine, test, and compete with a rover capable of high-precision performance — and inspire future innovation in space robotics.
SnAIRbeat - University of Glasgow
A group of final-year students at the University of Glasgow, led by Renata Loberto, are developing SnAIRbeat — an innovative air-drumming instrument that brings percussion to life without the noise or need for physical drums. Combining real-time embedded systems, motion tracking, and creative coding, the project forms part of a challenging capstone course in Biomedical and Electrical Engineering.
SnAIRbeat uses IMUs, a Raspberry Pi, and a camera to track the motion and position of drumsticks in mid-air. It recognises strike intensity and stick location to produce different percussion sounds — all without a physical drum kit. This makes it an ideal solution for students facing space, budget, or noise limitations in their accommodation.
SnAIRbeat blends engineering ingenuity, accessibility, and musical creativity, making it a standout example of student-led innovation at the intersection of technology and the arts.
Team Bath Human Powered - University of Bath
Team Bath Human Powered is developing a recumbent bike tailored specifically for female athletes, addressing the lack of inclusive design in human-powered vehicle (HPV) racing. Through user testing and iterative prototyping, the team aims to improve performance, comfort, and accessibility for women in the sport.
They plan to debut the new design with a female rider at the 2025 HPV World Championships, marking a first for the University of Bath and helping to drive progress in gender representation in student engineering teams.
UniCS - University of Manchester
The University of Manchester’s Computer Science Society — is hosting StudentHack on 5–6 April 2025. The event will bring together around 150 students for a weekend of creativity, coding, and collaboration.
Now in its 10th year, StudentHack is a key part of UniCS's annual programme, aimed at sparking innovation and showcasing technical talent. The team is also inviting RS engineers to join the judging panel and potentially lead future workshops with their community.
Handheld Low-Cost Spectrometer - University of Glasgow
Led by Harvey McBurney, this team of three final-year students is developing a miniaturised, affordable visible and near-infrared spectrometer for use in agriculture, education, and research. The device is designed to analyse fruit ripeness and other materials, using low-power components and a custom RP2040 microcontroller with an e-paper display for efficiency.
The team aims to create a compact, battery-powered tool that could open up access to spectrometry in schools and universities where existing equipment is prohibitively expensive. The project forms part of their Design Special Topic course and is due for completion in May 2025.
Hyperloop Manchester – University of Manchester
Hyperloop Manchester is a student-led, multidisciplinary team focused on designing and building advanced Hyperloop transport technology. Founded in 2019, the group now includes around 80 active members working across mechanical, electrical, and business disciplines.
The team has previously placed in the top five at the European Hyperloop Week competition and continues to push boundaries through hands-on engineering, global collaboration, and research-led development. Funding will support their next competition cycle, including subsystem prototyping, motor testing, and full pod integration.
Hyperlink – Queen Mary University of London
Hyperlink is a student-run society working on a Hyperloop prototype. The team designs, simulates, builds, and tests the prototype, then competes in two major competitions: Hyperloop Global in Canada (the only European team there) and European Hyperloop Week. The society has two main areas: engineering, focused on building the prototype, and research, which includes biomedical and socio-economic studies related to Hyperloop design, such as seating and ventilation — a unique focus among competitors.
Funding will support parts for mechanical systems like chassis, suspension, braking, propulsion, and electrical components needed for the prototype.
Josep Maria Reig de Val – University of Hertfordshire
Josep Maria Reig de Val, a first-year Aerospace Engineering student, is designing an affordable, wireless, low-profile split mechanical keyboard. The project focuses on ergonomics to reduce typing-related strain and long-term injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome.
The keyboard will be open source and easy to manufacture, allowing anyone with a 3D printer to build and customise it. It includes features like a trackpad to eliminate the need for a separate mouse. The funding will support purchasing electronic components such as microcontrollers, switches, batteries, and input devices, plus materials for prototyping and testing.
Sheffield Eco Motorsport – University of Sheffield
Sheffield Eco Motorsport is a student-led team of 50 mechanical engineering students designing and building ultra-efficient, road-legal solar-powered vehicles. The team competes in major challenges including the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge and the iLumen European Solar Challenge, which push the limits of solar vehicle technology.
After previously competing with a battery-electric vehicle at the Shell Eco Marathon, the team is now focusing on solar prototypes, currently developing their latest car SEM-02 and designing SEM-03. Funding will support materials such as aluminium perforated sheets, plastic sheets, precision bearings, wiring, solder, and heatsinks essential for manufacturing and refining their solar car.
GU Rocketry – University of Glasgow
GU Rocketry is a student-led society of 125 members, divided into 8 sub-teams and a Junior Development Programme, focused on designing and building high-powered rockets. Their projects span launch vehicles, engines, electronics, and educational outreach.
The team’s flagship effort, Project Mallard, aims to develop the first student-researched and developed (SRAD) two-stage rocket to be recovered at sea, targeting an altitude of 55,000 feet. Recent launches, like Oberon, tested their next-generation flight computer ASTRA, with further testing planned. Funding will support essential tools for the Aerostructures, Propulsions, and Avionics teams, enabling them to innovate and push towards their ambitious goals.
FemEng – University of Glasgow
FemEng is a student-led network dedicated to addressing gender imbalance in engineering. Founded in 2013, the team runs outreach programmes across Scotland, engaging over 2,500 school pupils with hands-on workshops that inspire young people—especially girls—to explore engineering careers. Their activities include building stethoscopes, wind turbines, and earthquake-proofing models using recyclable materials.
This year, FemEng is expanding with an Electronic Engineering Day at the University of Glasgow. Fifty pupils from S1 to S3 will take part in workshops and demonstrations focused on electronics, soldering, wireless power transfer, and robotics. Funding will help provide materials and tools, such as electric telegraph kits, handheld radios, loudspeakers, and conductive tape circuits, supporting a day of interactive learning designed to spark curiosity and break stereotypes.
Project MarsWorks – University of Sheffield
Project MarsWorks is a diverse team of 52 students from the University of Sheffield competing in the Autonomous Rover Challenge (ARC) and University Rover Challenge (URC). They design and build rovers from the ground up, combining expertise from mechanical, aerospace, business management, and journalism backgrounds. Their rover must complete complex tasks such as simulated planetary exploration, autonomous navigation, and scientific data collection and analysis.
The team values inclusivity and outreach, working with schools to inspire younger generations in STEM and space exploration. With members from around the world, Project MarsWorks brings global perspectives to cutting-edge robotics and space technology development.
Funding will be used to purchase precision motors for the rover arm, advanced materials like carbon fibre and aluminium for a lightweight chassis, efficient lithium-ion batteries, and new microcontrollers to improve computational accuracy and reliability. This investment aims to boost their performance at the upcoming ARC in Türkiye.
Sheffield Hardware And Reconfigurable Computing (SHARC) – University of Sheffield
SHARC is a student-led group at the University of Sheffield focused on hardware computing and RISC-V technology. They’re designing a gaming system from gate-level logic to a fabricated chip, aiming to submit via Tiny Tapeout in November 2024.
With RS Components’ support, SHARC will buy FPGA development boards and cover fabrication costs to prototype and build their design. They also run outreach workshops promoting diversity by partnering with Sheffield’s BAME Society and Women in Engineering.
SHARC empowers students with hands-on experience, helping many secure internships in tech. RS’s funding boosts their mission to democratize chip design and prepare the next generation of engineers.
FemEng Botswana – University of Glasgow
FemEng is a female-led engineering society delivering outreach workshops in Botswana to inspire young girls in STEM. Since 2017, the team has visited schools, running hands-on activities like building stethoscopes and wind turbines. In 2023 and 2024, they reached over 2,700 children and gained support from Botswana’s National Press and British High Commission.
In 2025, the 8-member team will return to Botswana to run workshops in Francistown and Kasane, working with local schools and universities to foster a sustainable FemEng network. Workshops cover engineering fundamentals through interactive projects, including electronics and wireless power demos.
Funding will support final workshop materials and accommodation, enabling the team to reach over 2,000 students and donate equipment for ongoing use. The project empowers young women in engineering and promotes STEM education across Botswana.
HackNotts – University of Nottingham
HackNotts is an annual free hackathon organised by University of Nottingham’s HackSoc, open to university students and recent graduates across the UK. This October marks our 12th event, aiming for 400 attendees.
Participants collaborate over 24 hours on creative projects, including hardware hacks and software innovations, with access to a wide range of shared equipment like breadboards and Raspberry Pis. HackNotts is known for inspiring many to try hardware for the first time and helping them develop skills that lead to success in other hackathons.
Comments