Here on Purdue's campus, the annual Grand Prix is one of our proudest accomplishments in terms of design competitions. However, there are so many other design competitions that college students are eligible to participate in. As a glimpse into what else is out there, I've prepared a list of five of the most exciting college design competitions currently available.

1. The Rube Goldberg Machine Contest

Probably one of the most amusing contests to watch, the Rube Goldberg Machine Contest encourages students to design machines (often with many, many components) to perform a simple task. The machines are complex, and are truly a joy to watch perform. College-based teams take this challenge to the next level with their knowledge and expertise.

2. The Formula SAE Collegiate Design Series

It's very exciting to not only be near race cars but to also design them. Organized by the Society of Automotive Engineers, the SAE Formula One Competition allows students to design and build their own formula-style car. After all their hard work, college students are able to actually race their cars on a track. This exciting event offers college students hands-on experience as well as recognition from company sponsors.

3. The National Robotics League

What is cooler than fighting robots? There is an event hosted by the National Robotics League that encourages students to work with a real industry company to build a medium-sized robot for combat against other robots. The robots fight until only one is left standing. This amazing event offers students to network with real companies and gain hands-on experience.

4. The American Society of Mechanical Engineers Design Competition

With unpredictable challenges every year, college students are tasked with designing the best solution to a scenario. The ASME Design Competition has heavy focus on real-world problems, which in turn prepares college students to someday solve real-world design challenges.

5. The American Solar Challenge

What could foster a friendly competitive spirit better than racing cars against other colleges? The American Solar Challenge allows college-based teams to race each other across the country in solar-powered cars they've designed themselves. This competition is hosted by the US Department of Energy challenges students to race over 1200-1800 mile course between multiple cities across the country. Not only is this competition exciting to witness, it is also a true test of design and endurance.