SatForge UAE 2026
National University Satellite Engineering Challenge
سات فورج الإمارات 2026: التحدي الوطني للجامعات في هندسة وتصميم الأقمار الصناعية
“From Campus Innovation to Future Space Missions”
At a Glance
~ 500 students
2–4 students
~ 10
AED 300 per team
About SatForge UAE 2026
SatForge UAE 2026: National University Satellite Engineering Challenge is a nationwide university-level satellite engineering competition that brings together talented students from higher education institutions across the United Arab Emirates to design, develop, and demonstrate innovative CubeSat-inspired satellite systems.
Hosted by the College of Engineering at Abu Dhabi University, with support from the UAE Space Agency, National Space Academy, SpacePoint, Research Institute for AI & Emerging Technologies, and IEEE ADU Student Branch, the competition offers an immersive, hands-on learning experience that bridges academic knowledge and practical satellite engineering.
Participants progress through technical training, mission conceptualization, electronic circuit design, simulation, 3D modeling, software development, data visualization, and hardware prototyping. With guidance from space and advanced technology professionals, teams turn ideas into functional satellite prototypes.
Approximately 10 outstanding teams will advance to the final stage for on-site technical preparation and a national showcase evaluated by industry experts.
Why Participate?
Hands-on engineering experience
Apply theory to mission design, simulation, electronics, programming, testing, and prototyping.
Industry mentorship
Learn from professionals working in the UAE space and advanced technology sectors.
Interdisciplinary collaboration
Work with students from diverse engineering and technical disciplines.
National exposure
Showcase solutions to representatives of the UAE space ecosystem.
Professional development
Build teamwork, problem-solving, project management, technical communication, and presentation skills.
Awards and recognition
Compete for monetary prizes and other recognition.
Who Can Participate?
SatForge UAE 2026 welcomes eligible students enrolled in universities and higher education institutions across the UAE.
| Eligibility | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | Currently enrolled at a UAE university or higher education institution |
| Age | 16–24 years inclusive |
| Team size | 2–4 students |
| UAE national representation | At least one Emirati member per team |
| Cross-university teams | Permitted, including across campuses |
| Academic disciplines | Open to all disciplines; engineering and related fields encouraged |
Participation is particularly encouraged from Electrical, Computer, Mechanical, Aerospace, and Biomedical Engineering and related programs. Multidisciplinary teams are welcome.
Event Journey
Form Your Team & Register
Assemble an eligible team of 2–4 students and complete registration.
Learn & Prepare
Access the SpacePoint learning platform, attend training, and explore satellite engineering resources.
Design & Simulate
Develop the mission concept, electronic circuits, 3D model, simulations, and data dashboard.
Build & Qualify
Construct a functional prototype, integrate sensor data with a dashboard and submit documentation.
Final Showcase
Approximately 10 shortlisted teams refine their prototypes and demonstrate them before judges.
Timeline & Important Dates
| Date | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 11 October | Student team registration opens |
| 15 October | Official kick-off — Abu Dhabi University Auditorium, Al Ain Campus |
| 15–21 October | SpacePoint platform onboarding |
| 21 October, 6:00 PM | Registration deadline |
| 22 October, 5:00 PM | First online clarification session (60 minutes) |
| 26 October, 5:00 PM | Second online clarification and Q&A (60 minutes) |
| 30 October, 12:00 PM | Phase 1 digital design submission |
| 4 November, 12:00 PM | Final qualifier submission |
| 6 November | Announcement of approximately 10 finalist teams |
| 9–10 November (TBC), 9 AM–2 PM | On-site preparation and mentoring |
| 11 November (TBC), 9 AM–2 PM | Final showcase and judging |
All times are UAE local time. Final on-site dates are tentative. Registration may close early when the participation target is reached.
Requirements & Deliverables
- Electronic circuit and simulation: Tinkercad circuit design link, Multisim simulation and screen recording.
- 3D prototype design: 3D model using Tinkercad 3D or Fusion 360.
- Interactive dashboard: Live dashboard displaying relevant satellite mission or system data.
- Competition poster: Mission, concept, design and key technical information; Canva link with editor access.
Final Showcase & Awards
Following evaluation of qualifier submissions, approximately 10 finalist teams will be selected for the national final competition. Finalists participate in two days of on-site prototype development, testing, refinement and mentoring, followed by a third day of live demonstrations, judging and recognition.
Winning teams will receive monetary prizes and other recognition for innovation, engineering achievement and competition performance. The final showcase provides exposure to professionals and representatives of the UAE space and advanced technology ecosystem.
Registration
Ready to turn your satellite engineering ideas into reality? Form your team, confirm eligibility, and submit one official registration form containing complete details for all team members.
Registration Deadline: 21 October 2026, 6:00 PM UAE time. Registration may close earlier if the participation target is reached.
Students without a team are encouraged to connect with eligible participants through the team-formation WhatsApp group.
Frequently Asked Questions
Organizers & Supporting Partners
Abu Dhabi University
Host InstitutionUAE Space Agency
Supporting PartnerNational Space Academy
Supporting PartnerSpacePoint
Technical Platform PartnerIEEE ADU Student Branch
Supporting PartnerContact & Further Information
Dr. Jawad Yousaf
College of Engineering, Electrical, Computer and Biomedical Engineering Department
Abu Dhabi University
[email protected]