Joint BGA and IMechE Prize

The joint BGA IMechE student prize has been established since 2000 and is considered one of the most prestigious Student prizes in the field of Mechanical Engineering.

In 2025 we are celebrating our 25th Anniversary

The British Gear Association (BGA) Student Prize is awarded to recognise and encourage students in the field of gear engineering and related disciplines. This prize acknowledges outstanding academic performance or innovative projects including those related to gear technology, manufacturing, or design.

The competition invites students from various educational institutions to submit their work, with winners receiving not only a monetary prize but also opportunities for professional development, networking, and exposure within the industry. It aims to promote the importance of gear engineering and inspire the next generation of engineers in the UK and beyond.

Past prize winners have gone on to be major players in the Gear industry developing careers at major companies such as Redbull, Newcastle University, Rolls Royce and starting their own Gear companies.

Kieran Brothwood – Dontyne Gears (2022 prize winner)
“If a graduating student is looking for a job in the engineering sector, having the BGA/IMechE award in your CV could be the cutting edge to being successful when applying for the best jobs. It shows potential employers that you are striving for competency, ambition and passion for the subject.”

Aaron Mason – BU Tensioning (2010 Prize Winner)
“Engaging in the competition allows students to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world problems, and showing their understanding. Entering the competition can be a significant stepping stone for students and is a great enhancement for their academic and professional journeys in the engineering and gearing sectors. This competition shows recognition and being recognised by industry professionals. From this you can better connect with industry leaders and peers, which can lead to mentorship opportunities, internships, or even job offers!”

Samuel Williams – Redbull Powertrains (2021 Prize Winner)
“Winning BGA Student prize was great validation for the work I had done. Having the chance to present and get it critiqued by industry experts has helped me in my every day role - particularly with my confidence.”

The prize is awarded for the best Final Year Project on any topic broadly related to the field of mechanical power transmissions.*

Why you should enter

  • £600 prize
  • Test your ideas
  • Free entry to Gears 2026
  • Chance to present your paper to industry experts
  • Connect with top employers
  • Prestige
  • Boost your CV

Submission Guidelines

In order to register, application forms for individual or team projects completing in summer 2025 must be sent to the British Gear Association by 30 August 2025.

A copy of the completed project report (in Word or pdf format) will be required by 30 September 2025.

Applications forms and submissions to be sent to admin@bga.org.uk. If you have any further questions please do not hesitate to contact the BGA.

*NB. Please note that projects for HND/HNC, BEng/BSc, MEng or MSc will be accepted, and the judges will apply suitable weightings to take account of the different qualification levels.

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