RIT Dubai hosts inaugural high school smart solar car race

RIT Dubai hosts inaugural high school smart solar car race

Young technology enthusiasts showcase innovative solar-powered vehicle designs

Published: Wed 22 Mar 2023, 11:00 AM

Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) Dubai has hosted its inaugural smart solar car race for high school students to showcase their innovative designs for vehicles powered solely by the sun. Assessed on their car’s speed, engineering, creativity, and sustainability, 30 teams of students from 15 high schools across the UAE competed in the race, which was won by Modern American International School.

Staged at University’s campus in Dubai Silicon Oasis, the competition challenged students to design and construct a vehicle capable of completing a 20-meter racetrack, using one motor and one solar panel, within specific dimensional restrictions. Organized by the University’s Department of Electrical Engineering and Computing, the event aimed to motivate high school students to explore science and engineering challenges, and to increase their awareness of sustainable energy resources.

Welcoming the students to the competition, Dr Khalid Khawaja, RIT Dubai provost – vice-president academic affairs, said: "Innovation and entrepreneurship are now the foundations for every field of business, they are disciplines that we teach in every programme, and by taking part in this competition, everyone here today has already started on that journey. Thinking outside the box and