Every high school TSA event

Architectural Design

2026-27Problem published separately by TSA

Produce a full set of architectural plans for the annual design problem, plus a physical model, a computer model and a virtual walkthrough. Semifinalists present and are interviewed.

Computer-Aided Design (CAD), Architecture

An on-site CAD test: produce architectural drawings to a given brief under time pressure, judged on accuracy and drafting convention.

Computer-Aided Design (CAD), Engineering

An on-site CAD test on the engineering side: mechanical parts and assemblies modelled to specification against the clock.

Interior Design

2026-27Tiny Living, Big Impact

Design an interior to the annual brief, covering space planning, materials and finishes, presented as a full design package.

Structural Design and Engineering

2026-27Problem published separately by TSA

Design and build a load-bearing structure to the annual problem statement, then test it to failure. Documentation is judged with the build.

Audio Podcasting

2026-27The Debate Desk

Write, record and edit an original podcast episode on the annual theme, with documentation of how it was made. Judged on storytelling, voice work and sound design.

Children's Stories

2026-27A graphic novel or comic book, unstapled binding

Write and illustrate an original children's book to the annual theme, then produce it as a finished physical volume.

Debating Technological Issues

2026-27Artificial Intelligence in Medicine

A two-person team debates assigned positions on technology topics. You are told which side you are arguing shortly before the round.

Promotional Design

2026-27Milestone Diner, a retro-inspired brand identity

Build a complete brand identity to the annual brief, covering logo, print pieces and social assets, as a coherent package.

STEM Mass Media

2026-27A news broadcast on right-handedness and human evolution

Produce a news broadcast from a supplied science headline: introduce the story, summarise the research, and explain what it may lead to.

Artificial Intelligence

Sit a written test on AI concepts and practice to reach semifinals, then solve an on-site problem as a team using a generative AI tool. Solutions are scored objectively against the stated problem.

Automated Manufacturing Systems

Design and prototype an automated system that solves a production problem, combining mechanical design with the software that drives it.

Also listed under Technology and Research.

Cybersecurity

A team event combining a qualifying test with hands-on security challenges: defending systems, finding vulnerabilities and responding to incidents.

Data Science and Analytics

2026-27An AI-generated dataset on climate and environmental sustainability

Analyse a dataset, draw conclusions from it, and present the work as a scientific poster with your methodology documented.

Software Development

2026-27Software that improves how people learn or train

Ship a working application to the annual theme, with documentation covering the design, the code and the testing.

Video Game Design

2026-27A deep-space RPG that progresses by puzzle-solving, not combat

Design and build a playable original game to the annual theme, submitted with a design document and a gameplay video.

Also listed under STEM (General).

Virtual Reality Simulation (VR)

2026-27High-speed first aid immersive simulation

Build an original VR experience to the annual challenge, documented and demonstrated to judges.

Webmaster

2026-27An AI learning portal

Build a working website to the annual theme as a team, then answer questions on it at the conference.

Chapter Team

A team event testing parliamentary procedure. Sit a written test to qualify, then run a mock business meeting under Robert's Rules.

Extemporaneous Speech

Draw a technology topic, get a short preparation window, then deliver an unscripted speech on it.

Future Technology Teacher

Make the case for technology education as a career. Prepare a portfolio and teaching demonstration, then present to judges.

Prepared Presentation

2026-27A technology that began as science fiction

Deliver a prepared speech on the annual topic, judged on structure, delivery and the use of supporting media.

Technology Bowl

A team quiz on technology and TSA knowledge: a written round to qualify, then a live buzzer round.

Dragster Design

2026-27Inside / Out

Design, model and manufacture a CO2-powered dragster to strict dimensional rules, then race it. Documentation and finish are judged alongside speed.

Drone Challenge (UAV)

2026-27Humanitarian Aid and Rescue

Build and fly a UAV through a flight mission, with an engineering notebook covering the design and testing behind it.

Flight Endurance

Build a rubber-band-powered model aircraft for maximum flight time, with a logbook covering design decisions and test flights.

Hybrid Racer XL

2026-27Must tow a five-ounce weight, hitch at the rear

Design and build a hybrid-powered vehicle to the annual design requirement, then run it against the course.

Manufacturing Prototype

2026-27Display or container for small collectible items

Take a product from concept to manufactured prototype, documenting the process and the manufacturing decisions.

Robotics

2026-27Problem published separately by TSA

Design, build and program a robot to complete the annual challenge, with an engineering notebook documenting the build.

Transportation Modeling

2026-27Cartoon and comic vehicles

Research, design and build a scale model vehicle to the annual design problem, presented with the documentation behind it.

Engineering Design

2026-27Engineering the Future of Energy

A long-form team event: work an engineering problem end to end, document the process, build a prototype, and defend it to judges.

Technology Problem Solving

Given a problem and a box of materials on site, build a working solution within the time limit.

Video Game Design

2026-27A deep-space RPG that progresses by puzzle-solving, not combat

Design and build a playable original game to the annual theme, submitted with a design document and a gameplay video.

Also listed under Computer Science.

Animatronics

2026-27Turning classic tales into a mechanical marvel

Build a working animatronic figure with sound, lighting and a finished display environment. Mechanical linkages and control systems are judged alongside the storytelling.

Board Game Design

Design and manufacture an original board game: the rules, the components, the packaging and the artwork. Judges play it.

Digital Video Production

2026-27A 1990s-style infomercial

Plan, shoot and edit a short original video to the annual theme, submitted with production documentation.

Fashion Design and Technology

2026-27Fashion from recycled or repurposed materials

Design and construct a garment to the annual theme, documenting the technology and the construction process behind it.

Music Production

2026-27An original soundtrack for a video game boss battle

Compose, record, produce and mix an original piece to the annual theme, submitted with production documentation.

On Demand Video

You are given a topic and a short window on site. Shoot and edit a finished video within it.

Photographic Technology

2026-27Behind the scenes

Submit a portfolio to the annual theme and complete an on-site shooting assignment. Both technical craft and editing are judged.

Vlogging

2026-27The Butterfly Effect

Produce a connected vlog series to the annual theme, judged on storytelling, videography and editing across the episodes.

Automated Manufacturing Systems

Design and prototype an automated system that solves a production problem, combining mechanical design with the software that drives it.

Also listed under Computer Science.

Biotechnology Design

2026-27Biosensors for Disease Detection

Research a biotechnology problem, document your findings and present a solution to a panel. Includes a display and an oral presentation.

Forensic Science

Work a forensic scenario as a team: analyse the evidence provided, apply laboratory technique, and present your conclusions.