Student teams develop new technology, build prototypes and seek solutions to technical and societal challenges. KIVI aims to raise the profile of these projects and the people behind them. That is why nominations are now open for the KIVI Engineering Student Team Award 2027.

The award recognises student teams that demonstrate what is possible when technical expertise, different disciplines and collaboration come together. Since 2022, KIVI has been using this award to put the spotlight on teams whose projects demonstrate exceptional technical achievement, adopt an innovative approach or make a contribution to addressing a societal issue. The prize was established partly on the initiative of Princess Mabel.

Criteria
The jury assesses four aspects of the team and the project. Team spirit relates to the way in which team members work together, share knowledge and support one another. Innovative strength centres on new ideas and solutions, and the way in which existing technology or working methods are improved. Social impact relates to the project’s significance for a social issue and its tangible results. In terms of expertise , the jury assesses the technical knowledge within the team and its contribution to the further development of engineering sciences.

The award is therefore not merely a recognition of the end result; the way in which a team achieves that result also plays an important role. The prize provides a platform for young engineers and brings their projects to a wider audience.

Project MARCH won the award in 2026 and also received the public’s choice award. Project MARCH is developing a motorised exoskeleton that enables people with spinal cord injuries to stand upright and walk again. Every year, the team works on new improvements so that users can move increasingly better and more independently with the exoskeleton.

Award ceremony 2027 
The 2027 winner will be announced during the Day of the Engineer on 10 March 2027 at Eindhoven University of Technology. This will be a special edition, as KIVI will be celebrating its 180th anniversary in 2027.

Nominations are open until 20 November 2026. Do you know of a student team that has completed an exceptional technical project? If so, nominate the team for the KIVI Engineering Student Team Award 2027.

Nominate now!