Help UBC AeroDesign Soar at the 2026 SAE Aero Design Competition
UBC AeroDesign is preparing to compete at the 2026 SAE Aero Design Competition in Lakeland, Florida, and we need your help to get there.
Our student team designs and builds electric, radio-controlled aircraft from the ground up. This campaign will fund travel and aircraft transportation costs, ensuring our students can bring their planes to competition and represent UBC and Canada on an international stage.
Every gift helps make this experience possible.
Project Description
UBC AeroDesign is a student-run engineering design team that designs, builds and tests electric aircraft as part of the global SAE Aero Design competition. Since 1992, the team has provided students with hands-on experience tackling real-world engineering challenges in a collaborative, high-performance environment.
This year, 61 students from 10 different departments are working together toward three goals:
- Providing a second classroom for hands-on engineering learning
- Competing for a Top 3 placement at international competition
- Promoting interest in aerospace engineering across British Columbia
In 2026, the team will compete in both the Micro Class and Advanced Class, challenging students to design lightweight, high-performance aircraft and solve complex autonomous flight problems.
Challenges and Impact of Your Support
Competing in Florida involves significant costs, including airfare, accommodations and the specialized transportation required to safely ship student-built aircraft.
Without support from donors and sponsors, our team would not be able to attend competition.
Your donation directly supports travel and logistics, ensuring months of student design, testing and manufacturing culminate in a real-world competitive experience. Any amount makes a meaningful difference and helps students gain skills that prepare them for future careers in engineering and aerospace.
Are you an organization or business and want to support us? Corporate sponsorship opportunities are available. Give through our Corporate Giving and Sponsorship page or contact us by emailing tsrikant@student.ubc.ca to discuss further.
About UBC AeroDesign
UBC AeroDesign is one of the largest and most diverse engineering design teams at UBC, bringing together students from across disciplines who share a passion for flight and innovation. During peak build season, many members dedicate more than 15 hours per week to the project, developing technical skills, leadership experience and confidence in a supportive learning environment.