Monash showcases innovation at the FORMULA 1 QATAR AIRWAYS AUSTRALIAN GRAND PRIX 2026

Monash University

Fans, aspiring engineers, and technology enthusiasts will have the chance to explore the cutting-edge work of Monash University’s engineering student teams at the FORMULA 1 QATAR AIRWAYS AUSTRALIAN GRAND PRIX 2026.

At the Albert Park Grand Prix Circuit, visitors can explore a range of Monash projects across motorsport, robotics, aerospace, and autonomous systems. 

Monash Nova Rover will demonstrate Banksia, its planetary rover, navigating a simulated lunar surface, while interactive displays reveal the design and technology behind the project. 

Monash Motorsport will showcase its student-built race cars and offer a driving simulator, providing a hands-on taste of high-performance motorsport.

The Monash Connected Autonomous Vehicle team will feature a full-scale autonomous road vehicle alongside its award-winning competition car, demonstrating the future of intelligent transport. Monash High Powered Rocketry will present its latest experimental and hybrid rockets, highlighting student innovation in aerospace, while Monash Automation will engage visitors with robotics demonstrations and hands-on prototypes.

Visitors can also join a human-centred design challenge, building the F1® car, pit crew, or circuit of the future using recycled materials. Interactive quizzes will guide students toward study areas, careers and Monash experiences aligned with their interests. Visitors will also see Monash’s extensive industry partnerships, showcasing the University’s broad innovation network.

Monash Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Sharon Pickering, said the global event was a unique platform to share students’ talent with the world.

“Our students are tackling real-world challenges and designing solutions that will shape the future of engineering, mobility, and technology,” Professor Pickering said. 

“Thousands of people are expected to tour the Innovation Hub presented by Engineers Australia at the circuit over the four days, setting the ​global stage to showcase our students’ creativity and inspire the next generation of engineers and innovators.”

Alongside the showcase, Monash is partnering with the Australian Grand Prix Corporation and Engineers Australia to present In Her Corner, an event focused on advancing gender equity in motorsport and STEM.

The program brings together global motorsport leaders and engineers, including F1® Media Presenter and former Head of Race Strategy for Sauber, Ruth Buscombe, Chief Executive Officer of Formula 1®, Stefano Domenicali, and Chief Engineer at Engineers Australia, Katherine Richards.

Director of Monash Student Teams, Associate Professor Scott Wordley, said the event gives students a chance to share their projects with a wide audience and demonstrate the real-world impact of their work.

“It’s exciting to see our projects, from rovers to autonomous vehicles, come to life in front of thousands of visitors. Sharing our work at such a high-profile event motivates us to keep pushing boundaries,” Associate Professor Wordley said.

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