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Future in Motion Student Innovation Challenge

What idea could move the world forward?

The future of transportation is being created right now, and you could be a part of it.

The Future in Motion (FIM) Network is inviting University of Waterloo students to share bold ideas that support a more sustainable, equitable and resilient transportation sector. Whether you're exploring clean energy, advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, ESG policy, workforce sustainability or a related topic, this is your opportunity to showcase your work and contribute to an inspiring conversation.

Each of the FIM Network's five working groups will give out cash prizes. Share your ideas for your chance to win!

  • First prize: $500 (x5)
  • Second prize: $300 (x5)
  • Third prize: $200 (x5)

Selected recipients will be profiled through FIM communications channels and invited to participate in a Student Showcase at the 2027 Sustainable Transportation Summit.1, 2

Competition format

Submit a recorded presentation that communicates your idea, project or research with one static slide in three minutes or less.

You must be visible in the frame while presenting, with the slide also visible. Your presentation should be delivered from memory.

Explain how your work meets the following objectives:

More details about the eligible topics to come!

Who can participate?

This competition is open to undergraduate and graduate students currently enrolled at the University of Waterloo. Each student may submit one entry.3

Important dates

Submission Deadline: January 22, 2027, at 11:59 p.m.

Judging Period: January through early March

Results Announced: March 19, 2027

Stay tuned for more information about how to enter your submission!

Submission requirements

  • One video file, maximum 3 minutes in length, with one static slide clearly visible within the video.
  • Submission title.
  • Student name, program, level of study, department or faculty and email address.
  • Selected FIM working group.
  • Short abstract of no more than 100 words.
  • Confirmation that the work is original.
  • Confirmation that the student grants permission for FIM to share the video, title, slide, and selected excerpts, stills or summaries for promotional purposes if selected.
  • Confirmation that winning submissions will be invited to present within the Student Showcase at the Sustainable Transportation Summit.

Note: If you plan to commercialize your research, please consult your supervisor and/or the Office of Research regarding public disclosure and its impact on intellectual property rights or patents.4

Presentation expectations

  • The presentation should be understandable to an interdisciplinary audience.
  • Students should clearly describe the problem, opportunity or idea being addressed.
  • Students should explain why the topic matters and how it connects to sustainable transportation.
  • Students should explain the idea, method, research direction or solution clearly and concisely.
  • Any stage of research is eligible, from early concept to proposal to completed study.
  • Students should stay within the time limit and use the single slide effectively.

Note: You must observe all third-party rights (e.g., copyright, trademark, privacy, contract rights) and follow the University’s guidance on generative artificial intelligence for graduate students and supervisors.

Share your vision

The Student Innovation Challenge is your chance to showcase ideas that could inspire new research, influence policy, advance technology and create a more sustainable future for the transport sector.

Where do you think we can go next?

Important details

  1. The Future in Motion Network reserves the right to modify, suspend, cancel, or terminate the competition; verify eligibility and compliance with these rules; determine the eligibility of submissions; and, where appropriate, withhold or not award prizes if insufficient eligible submissions are received.
  2. Decisions of the judges are final and are not subject to appeal.
  3. Personal information collected in connection with this competition will be used for the administration of the competition, adjudication of submissions, prize administration and related communications. Questions regarding this collection may be directed to wisa-fim@uwaterloo.ca.
  4. Students retain ownership of their submissions, subject to the permissions granted to the Future in Motion Network for competition administration and promotional purposes.