INCOSE Foundation

The Mars Society and INCOSE Foundation Announce Systems Engineering Award for University Rover Challenge

The Mars Society is proud to welcome the INCOSE Foundation as an Educational Partner of the University Rover Challenge (URC). The INCOSE Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, charitable organization affiliated with the International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE). The INCOSE Foundation is committed to rewarding skills through scholarships for those engaged in finding solutions to complex technical challenges at all stages of their education or career.

Together the organizations are pleased to announce the establishment of the INCOSE Foundation Excellence in Systems Engineering Award. This year, the INCOSE Foundation will honor one URC Team in recognition of their exemplary incorporation of systems engineering methods into the design and construction of their rover – demonstrating that a disciplined, holistic engineering approach, encompassing requirements definition, interface management, and rigorous testing across mechanical, electrical, and software subsystems is as essential to success on the competition field as it is to real-world space exploration.

Dedicated systems engineering judges will assess Preliminary Design Review and System Acceptance Review materials already submitted for URC2026, and conduct in-field evaluations of award finalists during the URC2026 Finals. Up to five of the winning team members competing on site will receive a one-year complimentary INCOSE student membership, a recognition certificate and award plaque, an invitation to present at an INCOSE chapter event or webinar, and mentorship opportunities with INCOSE professional members.