Marine Autonomy Challenge (MAChallenge)

This exciting biennial challenge is open to teams of students studying at UK universities. Each qualifying team is provided with an industry simulator to enable them to build the autonomous behaviours required to achieve a series of challenges. These will be carried out using a 2m catamaran that has been specially designed, built and equipped for MAChallenge – a cash prize of £2000 awaits the winning team. Our aim is to bring on the next generation of marine technologists and to encourage development and take-up of marine autonomous systems technologies in the UK.

The 2025 final weekend will take place at Timsbury Lake Shiphandling Centre, Romsey on 28th and 29th June 2025.

Developing the UK’s Future Maritime Autonomy Technologists

Why are we holding MAChallenge?

A key mission of the MASG Council is to encourage young technologists and help develop careers that contribute to the future of the UK’s MAS industry.

The aim of the challenge is:

• Focussed on autonomy (not platforms)
• To get students thinking about how autonomy might address the problem of pollution in the ocean
• To stretch the knowledge of the students and promote creative thinking
• Encourage team working through a variety of individual skills
• Connect the brightest young talent coming through the UK’s universities with the UK’s MAS Industry.

If you have any questions please email us.

Industry.... We need you!

We cannot run MAChallenge without the support of the industry, the sponsorship covers students travel, accommodation and food to ensure cost is not a barrier to entry. 

What is in it for you?

Access to:
• Fantastic talent - they’re studying skills that are relevant to your business
• Highly motivated – they have to be; it’s a long haul from entering the
competition to the finals weekend
• Great team players – only the teams that work together succeed. In fact, our
best teams have helped the other teams.

Since we started running MAChallenge, several of our ‘alumni’ have found
employment in the marine technology sector, including companies working on marine autonomy.

With thanks to our Gold MAChallenge 2025 sponsors: 

Our Silver Sponsors: 

and our Bronze Sponsors: 

The sponsorship packages can be viewed here. Please get in touch if you would like to sponsor MAChallenge 2025.