Below, you will find the latest happenings in our department. Also check out the latest edition of our Newsletter Mech Connect or follow us on Facebook and Instagram!
If you would like to Subscribe to our Seminar series, please email the Mechanical Engineering Publicity Team (mechpublicity@canterbury.ac.nz).
UC Engineering Challenge 2026
Date: Saturday, 29th August | 9am – 5pm
Location: A comfortable place in your school or community
Team Size: 2-4 students
Applications close: Friday, 28th August 2026
Sign Up Form: UC Engineering Challenge 2026: Sign Up Form
Does your team have what it takes to win $2000?
Are you passionate about innovation, problem-solving, and creating solutions that make a difference? The University of Canterbury Mechatronics Society invites you and your team to tackle the 2026 UC Engineering Challenge.
What is the Challenge?
Your challenge is to develop and present a solution to an open-ended engineering problem requiring interdisciplinary thinking all within one day. The challenge could be designing a cost-effective security system, developing innovative manufacturing processes, or creating automated solutions for urban environments. These are the kind of complex, real-world problems that today’s engineers solve daily, and this is your opportunity to get a taste of what a career in engineering might involve.
Your Mission
In just 8 hours, your team will:
- Analyse a complex mechatronics challenge
- Design innovative solutions using interdisciplinary thinking
- Create a professional report with sketches, calculations, and budget
- Present your vision for the future of engineering
Prizes
- 1st Place: $2000
- 2nd Place: $1000
- 3rd place: $500
- Plus $1000 worth of spot prizes to be won
Why Compete?
- Real-world experience that universities and employers’ value
- Develop teamwork skills essential for engineering success
- Stand out in university applications and scholarship interviews
- Win cash prizes while doing what you love
For Additional Info Visit Our Website: here
Apply now and show the world what the next generation of engineers can achieve.
Questions? Contact the UC Mechatronics Society at [uctronsoc@gmail.com]
Seminars in 2026
Seminars in 2025
| TIME | SPEAKER | TALK TITLE | LOCATION | REC |
| Fri, 29 August 3pm | Postgrad Seminar Series | A4 Lecture Theatre | ||
Tue, 27 May 2, 3pm | Prof Ratnesh Shukla | Thrust Generation Mechanics and Energetics of Undulatory Locomotion | E12 Seminar Room | |
| Fri, 28 Mar 3pm | Postgrad Seminar Series | Dr. Mohammad Sagor Hosen: Evaluation of fused particle fabrication additive manufacturing as a recycling method of poly(ethylene terephthalate): Processing-structure-properties relationships Emily Young: Insights from the New Zealand Chinese Association Leadership Development Conference | E6 Lecture Theater | |
| Tue, 25 Mar 1pm | Assoc. Prof Gunnar Cedersund | Bring a physiologically based digital twin of yourself with you throughout your health journey | John Britten Foyer | |
| Fri, 28 Feb 3pm | Postgrad Seminar Series | Pav Devananthan: Post Mortem Interval Estimation using Soft | E14 Lecture Theatre |
