The ACES² International Mobility STEM Competition is a dynamic, hands-on global challenge that empowers middle school students to become innovative problem-solvers and future-ready leaders. Working in teams, students apply the engineering design process to address real-world mobility challenges facing communities worldwide, from sustainable transportation and smart infrastructure to accessibility, safety, and equitable mobility solutions.
Designed to inspire the next generation of transportation and STEM innovators, the competition introduces participants to emerging transportation technologies, cutting-edge research, and high-demand career pathways shaping the future of mobility. Through collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking, students develop innovative solutions that address local and global transportation challenges while gaining valuable technical, communication, and leadership skills.
This competition provides a unique opportunity for students to learn from educators, mentors, researchers, and industry professionals while connecting with peers from diverse cultures and backgrounds. Together, participants explore how mobility innovations can improve quality of life, strengthen communities, and create more sustainable and connected transportation systems worldwide.
Educators and mentors play a vital role in guiding student teams through this authentic STEM experience by fostering inquiry, teamwork, and problem-solving. Participating teams receive access to competition resources, professional support, networking opportunities, and international recognition for their achievements.
More than a competition, ACES² is a global movement that empowers young innovators to envision and design the future of transportation. By embracing diverse perspectives and bold ideas, students become part of an international community committed to advancing mobility solutions that are sustainable, accessible, safe, and inclusive for all.
ATI and our partners are inviting teams from around the world to join this pioneering international experience and showcase their ideas on a global stage. Together, these future leaders will drive innovation, inspire change, and help build a smarter, more connected future for generations to come.
2026-2027 Competition Overview
Electric Vehicles and Sustainability Challenge
Challenge Overview
Transportation plays a critical role in our daily lives, but traditional vehicles contribute to air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and energy consumption. As communities seek more sustainable transportation solutions, electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming an important part of creating cleaner, more efficient, and environmentally responsible transportation systems. However, challenges such as charging infrastructure, vehicle range, energy sources, affordability, and public adoption continue to affect the widespread use of EVs.
In this challenge, student teams will explore how electric vehicles and sustainable transportation technologies can improve mobility while reducing environmental impacts. Teams will identify a transportation-related sustainability challenge and design an innovative solution that promotes the adoption, efficiency, accessibility, or environmental benefits of electric vehicles.
Innovation is a key component of this challenge. Teams are encouraged to develop a new technology, product, process, or system, or significantly improve an existing electric vehicle, charging, battery, energy, or transportation solution. Innovation may include making a solution safer, more efficient, more sustainable, more accessible, more affordable, or more user-friendly than current technologies.
This challenge is designed to encourage creative problem-solving, engineering design, and sustainable thinking while addressing real-world transportation and environmental challenges. Adapted from the Connected Mobility in Communities Challenge.
Challenge Statement
How can electric vehicles and sustainable transportation technologies be used to improve mobility while reducing environmental impacts within your community?
Teams will investigate a local transportation or sustainability challenge and develop a solution that uses electric vehicle technologies, renewable energy, charging infrastructure, battery innovations, or sustainable transportation practices to address the problem.
Engineering Design Requirements
Teams must:
✅ Identify a transportation or sustainability challenge affecting their local community.
✅ Research community needs, environmental impacts, and stakeholder perspectives.
✅ Design an innovative electric vehicle or sustainability-focused transportation solution.
✅ Demonstrate how the proposed solution is either:
A new technology, product, process, or system, or
A significant improvement to an existing technology or solution.
✅ Explain how their innovation addresses limitations or challenges associated with current transportation, energy, or electric vehicle systems.
✅ Create a physical, digital, or virtual prototype.
✅ Explain how electric vehicle technologies, renewable energy, battery systems, charging infrastructure, or sustainable transportation practices support the solution.
✅ Demonstrate how the solution improves environmental sustainability, energy efficiency, accessibility, mobility, safety, or quality of life.
✅ Communicate the potential impacts, benefits, and feasibility of implementing the solution within their community.
Who Can Participate
- Middle school students (grades 6 – 8)
- Teams must include at least 3 students
- No maximum team size – perfect for classrooms, clubs, or after-school programs
- Each team must have one adult mentor (educator, coach, or community leader)
Why Participate
The ACES2 International Mobility Competition is more than a challenge; it’s a transformative experience that empowers educators and students to explore real-world transportation issues through STEM innovation, teamwork, and creativity.
Benefits for Educators:
- Empower students to tackle real-world mobility challenges using STEM skills.
- Integrate hands-on, transportation-focused learning into your curriculum.
- Collaborate with peers and mobility experts across Alabama.
- Access free curriculum resources and challenge guides.
- Receive TEAMS credit-eligible professional development.
- Gain recognition for your school and teaching efforts.
- Inspire future leaders by connecting students to emerging technologies and career pathways.
- Receive $100 per team to purchase project materials
- Networking, collaborating, and learning as part of a professional learning community.
Benefits for Students:
- Work in teams to solve real transportation problems using creativity and engineering.
- Explore emerging technologies and learn how STEM shapes the future of mobility.
- Develop critical thinking, collaboration, and communication skills.
- Compete for cash prizes and global recognition.
Coach a Team
Interested in coaching a team? Don’t Miss Our 2026-2027 Competition Season Kickoff Meeting!
Learn everything you need to know about this exciting STEM competition, including this year’s mobility challenge theme, registration steps, and tips for getting started.
Virtual Event: Open to All Interested Schools, Educators & Youth-Focused Groups
Date: Aug 19, 2026 | Time: 3:45 pm
*Please note that registration is required
FAQ
Do I need to be a STEM teacher to be a mentor?
No! Any educator, club sponsor, or adult leader with a passion for student learning can serve as a mentor. You’ll receive resources and support to guide your team.
Can I mentor more than one team?
Yes! You may mentor multiple teams, especially if you’re working with a class or club. Just ensure each team is registered separately.
What does the $100 project funding cover?
Teams can use the funds to purchase materials for building their models or prototypes. A spending guide will be provided after registration.
What if my team is new to STEM competitions?
No prior experience? No problem! The ACES² Mobility STEM Competition is designed for students and educators of all experience levels. To ensure every team is prepared for success, coaches will participate in a training program and receive access to curriculum guides, challenge resources, planning templates, and competition materials. Ongoing support and resources are provided throughout the competition, making it easy for teams to engage in an exciting, real-world STEM experience while developing innovative solutions to mobility challenges.
Is the competition virtual or in-person?
Participants submit their model, presentation, and video electronically, and winners are announced via a virtual platform.
Celebrating Past Competition Winners
Congratulations to the winners of the 2026 ACES² Mobility Competition! This year’s teams impressed judges with their ingenuity, technical skills, and commitment to solving transportation challenges through innovation. Their projects reflected the power of STEM education and showcased how young innovators can develop creative solutions that shape the future of mobility. We applaud all participants for their dedication, collaboration, and vision for a smarter, safer, and more connected world.