When

The sixth edition of the challenge runs in the academic year of 2026 to 2027.

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• 28 September 2026: start of the registration for the competition

• 23 January 2027: abstract deadline (digital submission)

  • A0 format poster containing:

    • 3D drawing of the floating / deep water wind concept (competition scale)

    • Details of the participants (photo, name, university/company, year of study/position ..)​​

    • Explanation about standout features of your concept​

  • 3D model of the structure (competition scale)​

    • You can find details of the turbine using this link

    • ​We have made a 3D model for the turbine, which can be accessed and downloaded here.

• 13 February 2027: Abstract feedback from evaluation committee

  • Selected teams will receive a wind turbine for the competition

  • Top abstracts may be eligible for a budget of 1000€ for fabrication costs of their structure

• 14 May 2027: Concept report, updated poster and video deadline 

  • Concept report - strict page limit: 40 pages (template will be made available soon - no additional pages for appendices)

  • Video showing the offshore structure + anchoring solution

  • Updated poster & 3D model

  • In select countries, a local competition may be organised

• 30 May 2027: Feedback on safety review and final approval to join the competition event by the evaluation committee​

• ​Week of 5 - 9 July 2027: International final competition event​​​ & other activities

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Who

Groups of young engineers can participate in the challenge. Different options for entering the competition are:

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• It can be integrated as part of a problem solving and design course at a university, where a group of students work on a specific topic (e.g. KU Leuven has integrated it in a civil engineering project course).

• Groups of university or high school students (18+) can sign up for the challenge as part of extra curricular activities. We advise to have supervision from e.g. a professor or an industry professional in the offshore wind industry to help guide the group in the competition.​

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Students from all levels (high school, undergraduate, graduate and PhD level) can participate in the challenge. In case of questions, please send us an email.

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What

 

The groups have to design and build a deep water wind turbine structure. In the 2027 edition, the structure needs to meet the following requirements:

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• Turbine: Vevor 500W wind turbine

• Hub height: 1.20m above water level ±10cm

• Water depth: min. 1m - max. 1.5m

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An important change compared to previous editions is that not only floating concepts can be entered in the competition, but also other deep water wind concepts. All structures must allow for complete removal from the water.

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Where

This is a global competition and groups of young engineers from across the world can participate in it. The location for the final competition will be announced later in 2026.

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Prize

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The competition is evaluated using the following criteria: 

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• Power generation efficiency - 20pts

• Structural integrity - 20pts

• Anchors & moorings - 20pts

• Transport and installation - 20pts

• Materials & fabrication cost - 20pts

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Bonus points may be awarded within each criterion for innovative and sustainable solutions that enhance its performance. A panel, consisting of industry and academic experts in offshore wind, evaluates the criteria at the competition event.

 

There are two separate prizes of 1000€ for the competition based on the theory (best written report / presentation) and practice (best performance of the structure at sea).