RTSA University Rail Challenge 2025

Innovate. Collaborate. Shape the Future of Rail.

The RTSA University Rail Challenge 2025 is your opportunity to dive into the world of rail innovation, tackle real-world transport challenges, and connect with leaders shaping the future of the rail industry.

This national hackathon-style event brings together engineering students and early-career professionals for a dynamic, team-based competition focused on solving problems critical to the future of rail. Over three interactive evenings, you’ll gain exposure to career pathways, network with industry experts, and put your skills to the test in a high-impact setting.

What to Expect

  • Who: Teams of four undergraduate engineering students paired with a graduate mentor working in the rail industry (provided by RTSA).

  • What: A thought-provoking challenge centered on the future of rail, with team collaboration, industry networking, and live presentations.

  • When: Three evening sessions in July 2025 typically 2–3 hours each.

  • Where: In-person events held at professional venues in each capital city CBD.

  • How: Register as a team, or as an individual—we’ll help match you to a team. Your university may also submit team nominations.

Why Join the Challenge?

  • Learn about the diverse and evolving career opportunities in rail

  • Work alongside a graduate industry mentor

  • Build networks with rail professionals and leaders

  • Boost your resume with real-world problem-solving experience

  • Win prizes and gain recognition through RTSA’s national network

Event Structure

  • Session 1 will include networking, a presentation from a rail industry leader, an introduction to the challenge topic and time for initial teamwork on the challenge.

  • Session 2 will also include networking, a presentation from an industry panel and time for teams to work on the challenge.

  • Session 3: will focus on presentations of team’s response to the challenge (10 mins per team followed by judge comments or questions ), announcement of the winning team followed by networking.

Spots are limited — each city will host a minimum of 3 and a maximum of 6 teams. Be ready to commit to all three evenings and bring your best ideas forward!

Join us in shaping the future of rail transport—through innovation, collaboration, and engineering excellence.

You can submit your EOI here: University Challenge 2025 EOI. Please note that the Applications for Victoria are now closed. 

The top teams from each state will advance to a Virtual National Final on September 24th, where they’ll compete for prizes and recognition. Winning teams may even be invited to present at AusRAIL, the region’s largest rail industry conference.

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