🎤 RS Student Fund LIVE!
at Kings College London, 19th November 2025
Student Engineers...
Working on a cool project?
Need products and tools to make it happen?
Ready to pitch for it live?
Welcome to RS Student Fund LIVE: a dynamic, high-energy showcase where bold ideas meet real-world impact.
We’ve got the products. You’ve got the projects. Let’s make innovation happen.
Whether your project is about:
- Tackling complex challenges through creative problem-solving,
- Advancing your technical skills and engineering know-how,
- Using technology to make a difference for people or the planet,
- Or driving value and progress across industry -
We want to hear it. We want to support it. We want to celebrate it.
💡 What is the RS Student Fund LIVE?
As part of our commitment to empowering student innovation, RS is offering the chance to win up to £1,000 worth of RS products to bring your student-led projects to life.
Be among the first 10 to register and secure your place to pitch live on Wednesday 19th November in front of a panel of judges from RS and King’s College London. Winners will be announced on the day!
Spots are limited - an additional 10 registrations will be placed on a waitlist in case of dropouts.
🎯 This is an exclusive opportunity to showcase your creativity, technical skills, and passion for solving real-world challenges. Don’t miss out!
🏆 What’s Up for Grabs?
£2,500 total funding pool (includes VAT) across 5 prizes:
- Gold prize £1000 x 1
- Silver prize £500 x 2
- Bronze prize £250 x 2
To be spent on anything from RS.
📅 Key Dates
- Registration Open: 20 October 2025 (first 10 secure a spot)
- Registration Close: 9th November 2025
- Live Event: Wednesday 19 November, 1-4:30pm (you must be able to attend in person) Location: Franklin Wilkins Building which is part of the Waterloo Campus, Kings College London.
✅ Who Can Apply?
- KCL Students (full or part-time, UG/PGT/PGR)
- Student societies, competition teams, individual and/or team projects
- Suitable but not limited to: Engineering, Technology, Product Design, Natural Sciences, Architecture, Sustainability, Biomedical and Bioengineering programmes
🎯 What Should Your Pitch Include?
- You have a 10 minute slot, to include Q+A with the judges
Your pitch should cover:
- The project idea (outline & objectives)
- How it stands out (why is it important, who/what does it benefit?)
- The budget to deliver (estimate the cost, how will you use the £1000? Remember to check out the RS website https://uk.rs-online.com/web/)
- Your time frame (key milestones and timeline)
- Support required (resources, expertise, or partnerships needed)
View pitching guidance, and judges scoring criteria here.
👀 What Are Judges Looking For?
- Impact & relevance
- Creativity
- Feasibility
- Clarity & communication
- Support & plan
You can find our scoring criteria here.
📸 Publicity & Impact
Pitchers agree to share photos, feedback, and case studies - because your story could inspire the next generation of changemakers!
🚀 Ready to Pitch?
Don’t miss out - registrations close 5th November!
Apply now and take your vision to the next level.
RS Student Fund LIVE: Your Ideas. Our Support. Real Impact.
If you are a Formula Student team competing in 2026, this fund is for you!
The RS Build Fund provides Formula Student teams worldwide with up to GBP 1,000 (or equivalent inc. VAT) in funding to be spent exclusively at RS. This fund is designed to help teams source the essential components and materials they need from RS to get their competition vehicles ready for the track.
We want to help your team develop your hands-on technical skills and equip you with the products you need to smash your competition goals!
If you're part of a Formula Student team looking for financial support to enhance your project, apply for the RS Build Fund today and give your team the resources it needs to succeed!
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Important Dates
- Open for Applications: 5th November
- Applications Close: 20th January
- Winners Announced: 5th February
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Check out the full details here: https://www.rs-online.com/designspark/formula-student-build-fund-2025
Questions? Please email them to us at youthcommunity@rs.rsgroup.com
RS Student Project Fund 2025/26
Are you a student working on an engineering or innovation project that needs a boost? The RS Student Project Fund is your chance to bring your creative ideas to life. Whether you work solo or in a small team, we’re here to help you make amazing things happen.
Full competition guidelines can be found here.
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What's on Offer?
Winners will receive up to €1,000 worth of tools and components from RS Online stores. These resources will help turn your project into a reality!
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Who Can Apply?
This opportunity is open to students aged 18+ who are enrolled in higher education programs related to engineering, technology, design, or innovation. Applicants must reside in one of the following eligible countries: Poland, Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia, Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Malta, Greece or Cyprus and be registered members of RS DesignSpark.
Full terms and conditions can be found here.
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How it works
- Submit your application by 23rd of February , 2026
- Winners will be notified on 12th of March , 2026
- Each winner must introduce themselves and their project by posting on RS DesignSpark
- Once your introduction is complete, you will unlock up to €1,000 worth of tools and components
- It's time to order products from the RS online website
- Create a social media post featuring a short video about your win and tag us
- A feedback form will be sent to you for completion
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Selection Criteria
Our team of reviewers will be looking for the following:
1. Impact of Work on Chosen Area/Topic (30%)
2. Vision of How the Fund Will Help You (20%)
3. How Having Physical Products Will Enhance the Project (20%)
4. Consideration of the Wider Impact on People, Planet, and Product Life Cycle (30%)
The full selection criteria can be viewed here.
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Ready to Get Started?
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to bring your project to life. Apply today!
Welcome to the RS Student Fund!
Are you a student in the UK with big dreams and innovative ideas but limited resources? Look no further! The RS Student Fund is here to empower you on your journey to success by providing support of up to £1000 for your student-led projects, societies, competitions, sponsorships, events, and more.
Apply for the RS Student Fund today and let us help you turn your ideas into reality.
Why Choose Us?
At RS, we are dedicated to building the skills of the next generation of engineers. We understand young engineers' challenges in pursuing their passions and turning their ideas into reality. That's why we offer this fund to support your endeavors and help you thrive in your engineering journey.
How It Works
- Application - Fill out the application form, taking into consideration our selection criteria - good luck!
- Notification - We will let you know our decision within 30 days.
- Agreement - If you have been successful, we will send you our RS Student Fund agreement.
- Social media post - As part of the agreement, we ask you to create a social media post about being awarded and tag us in it. This can be on the platform of your choice.
- Prize unlocked! - You can now order your RS product, and/or request a BACS transfer of funds.
- DesignSpark Article - As part of the agreement, we ask you to create a written piece of content on DesignSpark to share your story with the community.
- Feedback - A feedback form will be sent to you for completion.
- End - The end of our funding agreement.
Whether you need RS donated products or cash, we've got you covered. You can use the fund for anything that will help you succeed, from purchasing equipment for your society to funding an engineering event on campus. We are here to support your growth and development as a student engineer.
Entry Criteria
Applications must be made by those:
- 18 and over
- Studying an engineering, technology, design, or innovation-related program
- Based in the UK
Please note: Formula Student teams cannot apply for this fund, and have a separate opportunity available. Please email us at YouthCommunity@rs.rsgroup.com
Selection Criteria
At RS, we are committed to selecting winners based on a set of criteria that align with our mission of empowering the next generation of engineers. Our selection process focuses on the impact that the funding will have on the recipients and ensuring that the funds are distributed equally and fairly across the UK. Here are the key factors we consider when selecting the winners:
- Impact of the Funding
- Innovation and Creativity
- Feasibility and Sustainability
- Diversity and Inclusivity
- Nationwide Reach
- Potential for Growth and Development
Check out the full selection criteria here.
By assessing applicants based on these criteria, we aim to select winners who not only have the potential to make a positive impact in the field of engineering but also reflect our commitment to fairness, equality, and diversity in supporting student engineers throughout the UK.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What types of projects or initiatives are eligible for funding?
The fund supports a wide range of initiatives, including student societies, competition teams, projects, sponsorships, events, and any other endeavors related to engineering that are student-led. Formula Student teams are not able to apply for this fund.
If you are unsure, please email us: YouthCommunity@rs.rsgroup.com
How much funding can I apply for?
Applicants can apply for funding of up to £1000 to support their projects or initiatives.
Can I choose to receive RS donated products instead of cash?
Yes, applicants have the option to receive RS donated products, cash via BACS transfer, or a mixture of both.
What criteria are used to select the winners?
Winners are selected based on factors such as the impact of the funding, nationwide reach, innovation, diversity, sustainability, and potential for growth and development. You can read the selection criteria here.
How will the funds be distributed across the UK?
We aim to distribute the funds equally and fairly across different regions of the UK to ensure a broad impact within the engineering community.
Is there a deadline for submitting applications?
There is no deadline, but we will take up to 30 days to inform you of our decision. You can only apply once each academic year.
Can I apply as an individual or do I need to be part of a group or society?
Both individuals and groups can apply for this Fund.
Can I use AI to help with my application?
Please refrain from using AI or automated tools to complete your application as doing so may result in disqualification.
How will I be notified if my application is successful?
Successful applicants will be notified via email within 30 days.
What is expected of me if I win?
We would like each winner to create 1 social media post (and tag us), and 1 article on DesignSpark to share their story. Guidance will be provided.
If you have any further questions or need clarification on any aspect of the RS Student Fund, please feel free to reach out to us directly: YouthCommunity@rs.rsgroup.com
Check out the full competition page here: https://www.rs-online.com/designspark/rs-student-engineer-fund