Student Design Competition

The Vertical Flight Society’s annual Student Design Competition invites university students from around the world to tackle a real-world engineering challenge: designing an innovative vertical lift aircraft that meets specific performance and mission requirements.

This prestigious competition offers students a unique opportunity to apply their engineering skills in a practical setting, foster collaboration, and deepen their understanding of vertical flight technology. It also serves as a powerful platform to inspire the next generation of aerospace innovators.

Awards and Recognition Winning teams receive cash awards and gain international recognition. First-place teams are invited to present their designs at the Vertical Flight Society’s Annual Forum & Technology Display—the premier professional and technical event for the vertical flight industry, providing valuable exposure to industry leaders and cutting-edge advancements.

Industry Partnership and Support: The competition is proudly sponsored and financially supported on a rotating basis by these leading organizations in the vertical flight community: