IEEE Educational Events

INVITATION TO PARTICIPATE in 3rd Edition Cars4Mars 2026 – African Rover Challenge
Short name of the competition: Cars4Mars Full name of the competition: Cars4Mars African Rover Challenge Website: www.cars4mars.co.za Contact: Basia Nasiorowska: [email protected]
Launch Stage Final ONLINE Winners Cars4Mars 2025
MARS Stage Final IN-PERSON Winners Cars4Mars 2025 Johannesburg South Africa
Cars4Mars is a robotics competition to design and build a Mars Rover Prototype. Our mission is to inspire African Youth to be part of the Robotics, Space Technologies, and AI rush to conquer the world and outer space. It is a voluntary initiative to bridge the gap between high school and university education in robotics, AI and automation technologies. We aim to mentor and help young people to access the know-how of robotics and cultivate entrepreneurial spirit by creating a platform of collaboration between academia and businesses. This challenge is addressed to students in universities, high schools or colleges to compete as a team. Participants are welcome from different fields of studies. It promotes participation from South Africa and other African countries.
Registration now on website: www.cars4mars.co.za Registration closes on 30 April 2026 Key Dates – Cars4Mars 2026
• Registration closes on 30 April 2026
• Competition starts – 1 May 2026
• 1st Webinar ONLINE – 9 May 2026
• Launch Stage Final ONLINE – 22 August 2026 on all African teams
• Mars Stage Final IN-PERSON – 19 September 2026 In Johannesburg South Africa
Please see on www.cars4mars.co.za the Rulebook from 2025 to give you an idea what will happen in 2026 –
The new Rulebook for 2026 will be available in February 2026. Contact Basia Nasiorowska for all enquiries you might have [email protected]
SPONSORS OF PRIZES FOR 2026
Sponsored Training on Simulation Tools: To cover the basics of how to design and build a functional rover with the focus on how to effectively utilise Simulation Tools to test, validate, and iterate on different design concepts for performance improvement. SIMTEQ Awards Sponsorship: design and manufacture of 14 custom trophies (7 for the Launch Stage Virtual category and 7 for the Mars Stage Physical category), featuring tiered designs for top placements.
SMD Technologies Sponsorship of the top quality Creality 3D Printers for the future winners of 1st, 2nd and 3rd Prizes in the 2026 Cars4Mars edition.
1ST Prize – K1C fully enclosed core X-Y Printer
2nd & 3rd Prize – Ender 3v3 KE
About SIMTEQ Engineering Simteq Engineering specializes in providing the technology, training and knowledge transfer consulting services using Computer Aided Engineering (CAE) solutions. With many years of experience in these specialized areas of Finite Element Analysis and Multi-Body Dynamics, we are in the best position to advice and support our customers on which technologies to use and how to solve the problems they have. Manufacturing areas included are Forming, Welding, Additive Manufacturing (3D printing) both metals and plastics. In-service areas include part strength analysis, vibration, noise, thermal and fatigue, as well as full system analysis including moving parts, control systems, hydraulics and electrical systems. Simteq Engineering’s Managing Director Mr PAUL NAUDÉ together with Mr Mpiana Gael Mutombo, Mechanical Engineer, has expressed their company’s full commitment to the success of the Cars4Mars Challenge 2026 and they are looking forward to fostering the next generation of engineers by providing them with the necessary tools and knowledge to excel. Contact Mr MPIANA GAEL MUTOMBO [email protected]
About SMD Technologies SMD Technologies is a leading brand originator and distributor, supplying trusted technology and lifestyle products across South Africa and beyond. With a strong track record in sourcing, developing and distributing quality brand at scale ,they focus on delivering reliable products , consistent stock availability and dependable support to their customers and partners.
Mr Michael Labuschagne the Technical Lead (Creality) expressed full commitment to support Cars4Mars African Rover Challenge participants in 2026 and commented: “ As an authorised distributor of Creality, we’re excited to sponsor the Creality K1C and Ender 3 V3 KE 3D printers – supporting innovation, creativity and the next generation of makers through powerful, accessible 3D printing”. Contact Michael Labuschagne on [email protected]
SUPPORTING ORGANISATIONS