The Engineers Australia SA and NT have been working with Bridgestone to gear up engineering students to participate in the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge race and Accelerating the Future Symposium. 

The race and symposium brought together experts from across the Territory and around the world to explore how renewable energy, transport, and the circular economy can accelerate the Territory towards a $40B economy powered by 50 per cent renewables in 2030. 

For the event Engineers Australia provided schools with solar car kits and assembly instructions. 

Each school assembled and tested their cars in class and were encouraged to run an internal race prior to the event to find their most competitive teams. Students then had the opportunity to race their model solar cars at the Hidden Valley Race track, competing against other schools from Darwin and Across the Territory. 

Around 200 school students had the opportunity to race last week. They also got to engage with industry experts and see the cars competing in the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge. 

Students met the teams behind some of the solar cars that had been engineered for the race, enabling them to chat to inspiring and creative engineers. 

The symposium also featured a variety of other activities including Drone Sports, VR driving classes, eSports, racing simulators and an industry exhibition. 

Engineers Australia Deputy General Manager NT Jennifer Jan said it's been awesome to see the involvement of remote schools in this program. 

“It’s been fantastic to see what an engaging project can do to encourage students to pursue STEM subjects. There was some real competition and innovative designs with 3D printed parts and solder work.” 

“An event like this with tangible connections to the workforce is often the driving force for a continued passion for learning, tinkering, and creating. It’s fantastic to witness the next generation of innovators from across the Territory,” Ms Jan said.