Are you ready for the challenge?
Join us in the 2025-2026 academic year for three inspiring workshop days
and design a brand-new connection across the Willebroek Canal in Brussels-Vilvoorde!
The challenge
The sixth edition of the SBE Student Challenge invites students to design bicycle connections across the Willebroek Canal in Buda.
This location was chosen for its potential leverage effect on the broader development of Buda. Buda? That’s the nickname of the area between Brussels, Vilvoorde and Machelen. Once a hub for heavy industry, it is now a patchwork of plots and buildings hosting a wide range of activities.
The area faces several challenges, such as polluted soils, scarce greenery, heavy traffic and congestion. But it also offers unique assets with great potential, including large vacant properties and green networks formed by the Zenne River, the Woluwe, and the Trawool.
The aim of the challenge is to use bicycle design to imagine new possibilities, to inspire and to reveal the area’s potential from a fresh perspective.
Within the scope of the competition, three search zones have been identified. In each of them, an east–west connection across the canal is the crucial missing link. It’s up to you to design it!
Download the brief document here for more information.
Workshops
The SBE Student Challenge is more than just a competition, it’s a unique experience.
Step into a real-world context and take on a multidisciplinary design challenge, guided by SBE experts during three workshop days. Each day brings a different perspective, framed by inspiring lectures and hands-on studio work. Don’t worry if your field of study doesn’t perfectly align with a theme, the essence of this challenge lies in collaboration and finding synergy across disciplines.
The workshops are held in person, creating space for one-on-one reflection and exchange. To keep the energy flowing, SBE provides catering and after-work drinks, so you can focus on your design in a relaxed atmosphere.
The journey kicks off with an on-site workshop, giving us the chance to truly grasp the challenges and opportunities of the area. We hope to see you there!
Registration is open
Workshopday 1 (+site visit)
Workshopday 2 - exact date TBC
Workshopday 3 - exact date TBC
Prize
At the end of the third workshop day, all teams will present their designs in a final session. After the presentations, the SBE Student Challenge jury will select the winning concept.
The victorious team will take home a €2,000 cash prize and, of course, eternal glory, with their work prominently showcased on the SBE Student Challenge website.
The jury
From the Students’ Perspective
Not completely convinced yet? Meet the winners of the 2nd edition, hear their stories, and discover why you should take part in this design competition.