THE COYO CHALLENGE IS BACK for 2026!

Design a Sustainable Race Track

FREE STEM CHALLENGE FOR STUDENTS AGE 13-17 YEARS

OPEN TO SCHOOLS AROUND THE WORLD

Roads underpin social mobility, economic growth and environmental responsibility.

If you can design safely and sustainably, you can apply those skills to infrastructure that changes lives at scale.
So, this year’s COYO Challenge invites you to explore the ultimate design question:

What does your race track – the safest, fastest, most sustainable ‘road’ – look like and how can it serve a community all year round?

Push the Boundaries

From racing on roads to high-speed motorsport circuits, race tracks have always pushed the boundaries of innovation.

They are extraordinary pieces of infrastructure, shaped by precision, physics, engineering, geometry and imagination. This is road design at the ultimate level.

Rethink Everything

Modern race circuits go far beyond sport. They are places where safety, sustainability and community purpose meet.

Today’s designers rethink everything – the use of low-carbon materials, renewable energy, modular construction, environmentally sensitive landscaping and site use when racing is not taking place.

In association with:

Ridge & Partners logo
Driven International logo

The challenge…

Teams will adopt a range of professional roles and design a sustainable race track, supported by world-class motorsport and infrastructure expertise from Ridge and Partners and Driven International.

They must:

  • Balance speed, safety, sustainability and social impact, showing how a modern race track can become a landmark of engineering excellence and community pride.
  • Design pit buildings, podium and spectator terraces using modular, net zero principles.
  • Reflect inclusivity, biodiversity and environmental responsibility.
  • Justify key decisions using STEM knowledge and skills, geospatial understanding and compelling research and evidence.
  • Use cutting edge Bentley design software – just like the professionals!
a motorsports race track
a computer screen displaying the CAD design of a race track

HOW TO ENTER

This design challenge is open to teams of students age 13-17 years from Monday 5th January to Friday 4th September 2026.

Through this STEM challenge, learners will:

  • Apply science, technology, engineering and maths to real design projects
  • Understand how land, data and geospatial surveying shape infrastructure
  • Explore sustainability, net zero principles and material choices
  • Work collaboratively across disciplines
  • Communicate ideas clearly and confidently
  • Use the knowledge and skills required by architecture, engineering, surveying and construction professionals, all around the world.

1. General: The “Design a Sustainable Race Track’ Challenge 2026” (“the Challenge”) is organised by Class Of Your Own Limited (“the Organiser”). By participating in the Challenge, schools, staff, and students agree to these Terms and Conditions.

2. Eligibility: Schools may submit no more than one entry. Each team must consist of a minimum of four and maximum of eight students.

3. Internal Competitions: Schools are encouraged to hold internal competitions to select the team to be entered. The Organiser is not responsible for any arrangements, administration, or disputes arising from internal school competitions.

4. Submission of Entries: All entries must be submitted to the Organiser by 12:00pm GMT on Friday 4th September 2026. Late entries will not be considered unless exceptional circumstances are agreed at the sole discretion of the Organiser.

5. Finalists and Overall Winner: Finalists will be notified by Friday 18th September 2026. Teams may be invited to present online between Monday 21st – Thursday 24th September. ONE overall winning team will be selected and only the winning team will be awarded the prize trip.

6. Travel and Attendance: The prize for the winning team (min. 4, max. 8 students) accompanied by two teachers includes return travel to destination, accommodation including breakfast, and scheduled meals during organised activities. Any additional expenses (including, but not limited to, personal meals, incidental expenses, and extended stays) are the responsibility of the school and/or individuals.

7. Duty of Care and Responsibility: Schools must ensure that all students have appropriate parental consents, valid travel documents (including passports and visas where necessary), insurance, and any required medical or healthcare arrangements. Accompanying staff members will act in loco parentis for the duration of the trip and must supervise students at all times. The school is responsible for conducting risk assessments in accordance with its own educational visit and safeguarding policies.

8. Liability: The Organiser accepts no liability for any loss, injury, damage, delay, or costs incurred by schools, staff, students, or any other party in connection with participation in the Challenge or attendance at any related activities or travel, including the prize trip. Participation in the Challenge and related activities is undertaken at the school’s and individuals’ own risk. The Organiser is not liable for any events beyond its control, including, but not limited to, travel disruptions, health pandemics, natural disasters, or changes to international travel advice.

9. Intellectual Property: All designs, ideas, and materials submitted remain the intellectual property of the students and/or school. By entering the Challenge, teams grant the Organiser permission to use images, names, and entry material for publicity, promotion, and reporting purposes, with appropriate credit.

10. Data Protection: The Organiser will handle personal data in accordance with UK GDPR and all relevant data protection legislation, solely for the purposes of administering the Challenge and associated activities. Schools are responsible for obtaining necessary consents for the sharing of student data.

11. Changes and Cancellation: The Organiser reserves the right to amend, cancel, or alter any aspect of the Challenge, including the prize trip, if circumstances require. In the event of cancellation, the Organiser will not be responsible for any costs incurred by schools or individuals.

12. Governing Law: These Terms and Conditions shall be governed by and construed in accordance with English law. Any disputes arising shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.

Be inspired by past COYO Challenge Winners

On 27th September, we proudly announced the winners of the COYO Challenge 2025 – The International School @ ParkCity Kuala Lumpur, designing a forest school for the Orang Ulu community in the Baram Rainforest, northern Sarawak, Malaysia.

Judges were hugely impressed by this “truly inspirational people and planet-first solution”.

The winning team stayed at the LEED Platinum Novotel Suites Mall Avenue Dubai, attended masterclasses with Heriot Watt University, Bentley Systems and Turner & Townsend, explored Expo City and presented at the auspicious Big 5 Global conference.

three students showing a model of a sustainable school in a rain forest

2025 Winning Team from The International School @ ParkCity
READ FULL ARTICLE

2024 Winning Team from Uptown International School, Dubai

The winners of our COYO Challenge 2024 to design a ‘Net Zero Rail Station Hub and Route’ wowed judges and all agreed – this team are on track for an extraordinary career in the Built Environment.

Our worthy winners spent an amazing week in London, staying at the iconic St Pancras Renaissance Hotel and touring the city’s rail heritage with the HS1 team.

Watch this short film to discover more about their exceptional design.

READ FULL ARTICLE

Volunteer to support your local school

If you work in Architecture, Engineering, or Construction, your expertise can inspire the next generation through the COYO Challenge!

Mentor our students, deliver a workshop, or share real-world insights – your support makes a REAL difference.

Volunteer with a school near your office or project and help young people discover a world of opportunity in the digital built environment.

Image of a former DEC student now DEC Ambassador

Claire McHugh, former DEC student and now Commercial Manager at Mace. As a proud DEC Ambassador, she volunteers her time to inspire the next generation to follow in her footsteps.