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A Global
Partnership
The WED Hackathon is an initiative brought by the World Federation of Engineering Organizations (WFEO), in partnership with UNESCO and Engineers Without Borders International (EWB-I), powered and supported by The Big Creative.
This students’ competition reflects the global partnership that brings WFEO, UNESCO, and the International Engineering Alliance (IEA) to achieve a global update and harmonization of engineers’ skills to face the challenges of sustainable development, through the Graduate Attributes & Professional Competencies (GAPC).
"Humanity is on thin ice, and that ice is melting fast."
UN Secretary-General
General António Guterres
OUR THEME FOR 2024 IS
Engineering Solutions for a Sustainable World
This competition is a fast-paced simulation of a real-world project. Teams are to work collaboratively on a problem to provide a set of deliverables within a short timeframe.
Utilising their theoretical knowledge, students gain first-hand experience to develop their critical thinking, build new skill sets, push themselves out of their comfort zone and build lasting relationships.
Register Below
Resources
World Engineering Day
Based on the International Engineering Alliance Global Graduate Attribute and Professional Competencies Profiles.
Considering the proposal presented to you, evaluate whether the submission demonstrates the following engineering competencies.
- 1 Application of Engineering Knowledge for problem analysis and development of a solution: The extent to which the team has used its engineering knowledge and skill in developing a solution and the thoroughness with which the problem has been researched and analysed.
- 2 Investigation, research, Design/ development and testing of solutions: The extent of experimentation applied in developing a unique and innovative solution, which also uses new and emerging technologies and ideas.
- 3 Extent of use of digital tools and new technologies: The extent to which digital tools such as computer modelling, Computer Aided Design and Drawing, 3D printing etc. have been used to design, develop and demonstrate the solution
- 4 Contribution to UN SDGs and Consideration of broad ethical issues: The extent to which the solution advances one or more of the UN SDGs and addresses broad ethical issues in terms of impact on the environment, different sections of society and the economy and how these have been addressed, by mitigating adverse impacts and enhancing positive impacts.
- 5 Successful Collaborative, Team work project management and Communication of the final solution The extent to which the team has collaborated successfully and the success of communication of the challenge and the solution developed, successful project management, financial analysis of the feasibility of implementing the solution and plans for its further development.
Graduate Attributes that are addressed in the solution, referencing the International Engineering Alliance Graduate Attribute and Professional Competency (GAPC) Framework
Maximum Score per Category 4
Score: 0 – Not Addressed
Score: 1 – Limited attempt to address
Score: 2 – Some success in addressing the various elements
Score: 3 – Good attempt to address the element
Score: 4 – Addressed very effectively
Teams are typically formed offline, at your school. This final submission form is when you tell us who is in your team. You can add team member names & universities on this form, and that’s how we know who is competing in your team.
If you do not have a team in mind, you can check out this Facebook group dedicated to helping people form teams CLICK HERE
All times noted are in Paris, France timezone (GMT+1)
October 11th – Registrations Open
12 November 2023 12:00am CET Paris Time – Challenges released
World Engineering Day (WED) for Sustainable Development is celebrated on the 4th of March every year as a UNESCO international day designed to promote the profile of engineers and engineering.
WED is an opportunity to engage with governments, organizations, universities, industries, media and the community to address the need for engineers around the world to develop strategic frameworks and best practices for the implementation of engineering solutions for Sustainable Development.
In 2024, The World Federation of Engineering Organisations (WFEO) and its members and partners are hosting the World Engineering Day Hackathon which is an international event with a goal to involve engineering students from all over the globe in the celebration of the World Engineering Day.
The WFEO committee, Young Engineers / Future Leaders (YE/FL), is a motivated team of young engineers that work voluntarily to acknowledge and celebrate the young voices of the Engineering profession. Firas Bou Diab is the Chair of this committee, and is delighted to encourage engineering students from all universities to participate in this worldwide competition and work in teams to present engineering solutions for a global problem that is affiliated to the WED2024 Theme: Engineering Solutions for a Sustainable World
The Hackathon is also proudly produced in partnership with Engineers Without Borders International.
Students around the world are invited to participate in the WED Hackathon, that address engineering challenges developed by the World Federation of Engineering Organizations in collaboration with its partners in international engineering and the Engineers Without Borders International network.
Participants will get an opportunity to apply principles they are learning in universities to solve real engineering problems. Further, participants will gain insight into the complexities involved when working within a team trying to solve a challenge within tight time constraints. These types of challenges serve to motivate the students to dig deeper into their engineering education, in order to solve these very real problems.
The Hackathon competition will take students beyond textbook theory by enabling them to design, build, and test the performance of a real project and then compete with other students from around the world in exciting and intense competition. The competition prepares undergraduate and graduate students in a variety of disciplines for future employment in industries by challenging them with a hands-on, team engineering experience that also requires budgeting, communication, project management, and resource management skills.
The notable prestige that comes with winning or even competing in this Hackathon will expose participants to additional activities that will help them navigate through their degree in terms of professional opportunities and will also provide networking experiences with experts, who can serve as valuable resources in their collegiate work, as well as advocates for future internships. Participants will also gain valuable exposure with recruiters from leading companies in the industry to help land their first engineering job after graduation.
How do we upload our submission?
This competition a digital Submission Portal. You can access this site via the “Submit Now” links on the page but only have the challenges have been announced.
Are both graduate and undergraduate students allowed to participate?
Yes, teams can be made up on most levels of university students. Only PhD level is not eligible.
Are only university students allowed to participate?
All engineering students can apply to participate in the WED Hack. This includes students attending university, TAFE, technical colleges, polytechnics etc.. As long as they are studying engineering or a technical qualification.
Does the team have to be all from the same university/school?
No, we can accept teams which are made up of a number of universities/institutions.
When will the finalists be announced?
Top 10 Finalists will be announced 6 Feb 2024.
Is there any cost to participating?
There is no cost in participating. Please note our sponsors, for without their support we would not be able to put on such a worthwhile event.
How will I receive the challenge?
The challenge will be released on this website on the 12 Nov 2023.
When does the registration period end?
Registration ends 26 Nov 2023 when submissions close.
What is the maximum number of participants allowed per team?
Teams are to be made up of 3 – 5 students, with a majority being engineering students.
How should my entry be presented?
Your submission must include: a 5-minute video; a photo of your team; response to various questions about your solution (English). Written response must be in English. Video can be in any language, but must have English subtitles. Further detail will be released with the Challenge.
Can we see an example of the winning case solution from the last years?
The three winning entries from 2022 are available on the WED website here.
Who is WFEO?
The World Federation of Engineering Organisations (WFEO) is the body which created this hackathon event.
What is World Engineering Day?
Who came up with the Hackathon challenges?
WFEO partnered with Engineers Without Borders International (EWB) and utilised their great knowledge and experience in creating challenges. EWB worked closely with WFEO to ensure the challenges aligned with the WED theme for 2023 and were able to highlight some challenges engineers are facing towards the UN SDGs.
Still have a question?
email tennille@thebigcreative.com .au for more information!
The Hackathon is hosted by the World Federation of Engineering Organisations (WFEO), its members and partners.
WFEO has once again partnered with Engineers Without Borders International (EWB) and utilised their great knowledge and experience in creating the hackathon challenges. EWB worked closely with WFEO to ensure the challenges aligned with the WED theme for 2023 and were able to highlight some challenges engineers are facing towards the UN SDGs.
Our 2023 Partners
Submissions
- Submission is a 5-min video presenting your solution
- Along with a short-written element, detailing elements of your entry.
- English subtitles are required, including for video in English.
Entry and Eligibility
The World Engineering Day Hackathon will be open to:
- Any student attending any university or engineering school, for the entirety of 2023.
- Written elements of submissions must be provided in English. Video elements can be in any language, but must have English subtitles.
Intellectual Property
The entrants retain ownership of their designs.
The entrant’s licence WFEO and the World Engineering Day Committee to use and modify for use their photographs, video and any written content as a part of promoting the Hackathon, the winners and the event.
WFEO 1st place prize
EUR 4,000
WFEO 2nd place prize
EUR 2,000
WFEO 3rd Place prize
EUR 1,000
All prizes are to be given as a team, not as individuals
Thank you to all the amazing engineers and friends who have volunteered their time to be judges.
There are 40 judges from around the World to assist us in the judging of the Preliminary & Final Round judging.
Stay tuned for more.
We’re currently seeking sponsorship partners to join us for this exciting new program. If you would like to hear more please click here
Click here to download our comprehensive hackathon historical presentation.
ABOUT
We are looking for sponsors
We’re looking for sponsors to join us for this exciting program. If you would like to find out more about our packages, please download our Sponsorship Proposal.
additional resources
Explainer video
and information Kit
Learn more about our university’s World Engineering Day Hackathon, a highly anticipated event set to make its exciting return in 2024. Join us as we celebrate innovation, collaboration, and the power of engineering to tackle global challenges.
