Students at the School of Engineering are proven visionaries!
Many students take the initiative to compete in national and international design competitions, while others launch new clubs and societies to further build their skills and connections outside the classroom.
The School of Engineering has a variety of student design teams, clubs and groups, with participation continuing to grow every year.
Engineering Design Teams (EDTs)
Hands-On Innovation & Real-World Engineering Challenges
Engineering design teams provide students with the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge in practical, team-based projects. These teams compete in regional, national, and international competitions, working on everything from autonomous vehicles and robotics to sustainable energy solutions and aerospace engineering. Joining a design team allows students to refine technical skills, gain industry exposure, and collaborate on cutting-edge projects that have real-world impact.
Great Northern Concrete Toboggan Race
Each year, UBC Okanagan engineering students design and build a concrete toboggan for the Great Northern Concrete Toboggan Race (GNCTR). The team applies structural, mechanical, and materials engineering principles to create a fast, durable, and safe design while fostering teamwork, innovation, and industry connections.
Aerial Robotics & Rocketry Club
Aerial Robotics & Rocketry is a club dedicated to providing students with the opportunity to take flight in their passion for aerospace engineering. There are several divisions including fixed-wing, rocketry and autonomous flying vehicle.
Okanagan Motorsports
Okanagan Motorsports is a Formula SAE team composed of a group of dedicated students, each with a unique set of skills and a willingness to learn. Designing and building an open-wheeled Formula car which is taken to compete against other Universities across Canada and the US.
Innovate, Design, Sustain (IDS)
IDS seeks to uncover innovative engineering and scientific solutions to create a more sustainable environment on campus and throughout the Okanagan. Spearheaded by three undergraduate students, the new club was registered in 2020 under the UBC Okanagan Students' Union.
School of Engineering Clubs
Building Connections, Skills, and Innovation Beyond the Classroom
Students at the School of Engineering (SOE) are leaders, innovators, and collaborators. Whether joining existing clubs or launching new initiatives, they actively create opportunities to expand their skills, network with peers, and gain hands-on experience in diverse areas of engineering.
Women in Engineering (WiE)
Women in Engineering (WiE) is dedicated to helping young women and femme-aligned individuals succeed in the applied sciences. The group strives to empower underrepresented students and support them throughout their university careers.
Battlebots
The Battlebots Club offers students and faculty the chance to design, build, and test battle robots. Members gain hands-on experience with robotics in a fun, collaborative environment. The club also participates in external competitions, connecting members with experienced makers.
Marine Robotics
Marine Robotics, launched in September 2023, brings together 30 members with diverse expertise, focusing on Autonomous Underwater Vehicles and Electric Propulsion Boats. The team aims to compete in top competitions like Robosub and the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge, utilizing Okanagan Lake as their testing ground.
Ogopogo Solar
Ogopogo Solar is launching Okanagan's first high-performance solar car for the 2030 Formula Sun Grand Prix and American Solar Challenge. Their goal is to achieve over 100 kilometers on a single charge, pushing the limits of solar technology and vehicle design. Join Ogopogo Solar and be part of the future of automotive innovation!
HEAT Robotics
HEAT Robotics develops robotic applications for wildfire management. Their flagship product, EMBR (Ember Mitigation Bot Responder), is an autonomous system that uses advanced sensing and Al to navigate terrains, detect hotspots, and extinguish embers, enhancing firefighting efforts while reducing the risk of re-ignition.
Professional Engineering Societies
Connecting Students with Industry & Professional Development
Professional engineering societies offer students a bridge to the engineering industry, fostering professional growth, mentorship, and networking. These organizations connect students with industry professionals, provide access to exclusive events and resources, and support career development through workshops, conferences, and industry collaborations. By joining, students stay informed about industry advancements and gain valuable connections for their future careers.
Canadian Society for Civil Engineers (CSCE)
The CSCE is a learned society created to develop and maintain high standards of civil engineering practice in Canada and to enhance the public image of the civil engineering profession.
Canadian Society for Mechanical Engineers (CSME)
CSME's mission is: To advance the quality and scope of mechanical engineering in Canada, To stimulate the application of mechanical engineering for the benefit of mankind, and To promote the creation, exchange, diffusion of an access to technical and other information relevant to mechanical engineering for both technical and public interest.
Engineers in Action, Okanagan Chapter (EIA)
Engineers in Action Okanagan is a university student-led initiative dedicated to addressing critical infrastructure needs in developing countries. The chapter engages students in hands-on projects that promote sustainable development and improve living conditions through tailored engineering solutions for communities in need.
Engineers Without Borders (EWB)
EWB Canada unlocks human potential in Canada by fostering a community of leaders-supporting a network of established thought leaders while developing the next generation of pioneers.
Global Engineering Community
Global Engineering Community is a professional group that exists to connect, inspire, and support international students in UBCO's School of Engineering.
Sigma Phi Delta
Sigma Phi Delta is a Fraternity open to students of the Engineering faculty. It attends to the social, academic and professional sides of Engineering, in school and at the workplace. Sigma Phi Delta is an organization that fosters brotherhood, camaraderie, leadership and teamwork.
BC Water & Waste Association (BCWWA) Student Chapter
BCWWA Okanagan Student Chapter is an organization for students interested in the water and waste water environment, which includes water quality, waste treatment, water and waste water treatment, storm water management, water distribution and waste water collection, and all other water related subjects.
UBC Okanagan IEEE Student Branch
The IEEE promotes the welfare and knowledge of our members through the holding of meetings, field trips, conferences, lectures and social events, with the express goal of developing and expanding the knowledge of theory, applications and professional practice as it relates to all phases of electrical and computer engineering and related fields.
Canadian Institute of Transportation Engineers (CITE) UBCO Student Chapter
The Canadian Institute of Transportation Engineers (CITE) UBCO Student Chapter is committed to promoting the advancement of transportation and traffic engineering by fostering connections between members, the profession and CITE worldwide. Multiple industry nights are held each year with presenters in the field of transportation engineering.
American Railway Engineering & Maintenance of Way (AREMA) UBCO Student Chapter
The University of British Columbia American Railway Engineering (AREMA) UBCO Student Chapter is authorized by the Constitution of the American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association (AREMA) and holds multiple industry nights each year with presenters in the field of railway engineering.