TEKNOFEST Underwater Rocket Competition

TEKNOFEST Water Six Rocket Competition is a technology competition designed to encourage the development of innovative systems in underwater technologies and guide young engineers and student teams toward R&D in underwater rocket systems. Organized within the framework of Türkiye’s national technology initiative vision, this competition aims to advance the development of underwater platforms of critical importance in defense and exploration fields.

Underwater technologies hold significant importance in both military and civilian domains today. Applications such as exploration, security, defense, environmental monitoring, and research like diverse other uses enhance the strategic value of these technologies. Advanced sonar systems, autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), and robotic solutions not only contribute to understanding ecosystems but also play critical roles in military operations.

The increasing prevalence of underwater operations has demonstrated the need for these systems to meet sufficient standards in both hardware and software. In this context, the primary objective of the competition is to enable participants to develop innovative, functional systems that operate effectively under given mission scenarios and underwater conditions, thereby contributing to the training of future engineers in this field.

Under the competition, teams are expected to design an Underwater Rocket Vehicle (URV). This vehicle must be capable of following a predefined route underwater, possess autonomous navigation and autopilot capabilities, and include a rocket launch mechanism compatible with the mission scenario. One of the competition’s goals is to develop underwater pressure-resistant, high-efficiency, and safe rocket ignition systems. The technologies developed are intended to form the foundation of indigenous systems usable in both military and scientific applications in the future.

All pre-university, undergraduate, and graduate students enrolled in institutions in Türkiye or abroad may participate. Teams must consist of at least five and no more than fifteen members. Mentors are not included in this count. The competition offers a unique process that emphasizes teamwork, interdisciplinary collaboration, problem-solving, and the practical application of engineering practices.

The TEKNOFEST Underwater Rocket Competition is conducted through a five-phase evaluation process:

1. Preliminary Design Report (PDR)
2. Critical Design Report (CDR)
3. Mission Capability Demonstration Video
4. Final Evaluation Scoring
5. Project Presentation at Finals

Objections regarding results are submitted via the email addresses registered by team members in the KYS system. The objection process operates in accordance with guidelines established by the TEKNOFEST Competitions Committee. The Committee reserves the right to modify the competition schedule and timings.

The TEKNOFEST Underwater Rocket Competition advances in alignment with Türkiye’s Blue Homeland vision. Through this competition, participants contribute to the development of underwater systems of critical importance to the defense industry, while also supporting the advancement of civilian technologies such as ocean research and environmental monitoring. The competition provides a unique platform for engineering students to enhance their technical knowledge and skills while developing competencies in innovation and project management.