Competition Overview
The North East STEM Foundation invites secondary schools across the North East of England to take part in a bold and imaginative engineering challenge:
Design the ultimate villain’s performance motorbike — based on a real Ducati.
Developed in partnership with Ducati, this competition challenges students to combine:
- STEM thinking
- High-performance engineering
- Luxury design
- Creative storytelling
Students will begin with a real Ducati motorbike and transform it into a cinematic, high-performance “villain machine.”
The Challenge - Reimagine a Ducati. Redesign it for a Villain.
Each team must:
1. Select a real Ducati motorbike on www.ducati.com
2. Research how it works (engineering + performance)
3. Transform it into a high-performance villain machine
4.Create a name for their machine that reflects its identity, performance, and story
Core Rule - Your design must be based on a real Ducati motorbike (e.g. Panigale V4, Streetfighter V4, Diavel, Monster)
Your Machine Must Be
• High Performance – designed for speed, acceleration, and control
• Visually Iconic – bold, dramatic, and recognisable
• Luxury-Driven – premium materials and advanced features
Engineered – ideas should show clear STEM thinking (age appropriate)
Who Can Enter
• Secondary schools and colleges across the North East
• Students aged 11–16 years old
Team Requirements
• Each school submits ONE team
• Minimum 8 students / Maximum 12 students per team
Mixed-age teams are encouraged to promote collaboration.
Suggested Team Roles (Encouraged)
• Team Leader / Project Manager
• Performance Engineer
• Aerodynamics Specialist
• Materials & Manufacturing Lead
• Design Lead
• Technology & Systems Lead
• Data / Testing Lead
• Storytelling & Presentation Lead
(Students can combine roles depending on age and experience.)
What Teams Must Submit
1. Base Model Selection
• Ducati model chosen
• Why it was selected
• Key performance features (explained simply where needed)
2. Concept Design
• Hand-drawn or digital design
• Original vs modified comparison
• Materials, structure, and key features
3. Engineering Modifications
Explain what has been changed and why, such as:
• Engine or power improvements
• Aerodynamics
• Weight reduction
• Handling and control
•Technology features
4. Origin Story (150–300 words)
Your story must include:
• Who the villain is
• Why they ride this machine
• What makes it feared or legendary
• The official name of the bike and why it was chosen
5. Performance Specification Sheet
Include:
• Top speed (estimated or researched)
• Engine / power type
• Materials used
• Key features
• Performance improvements
6. Optional STEM Extension
(Optional but encouraged)
• Diagrams
• Simple physics explanations
• Testing ideas
• Prototype or model
Optional Bonus
• 60-second cinematic trailer
Grand Prize
The winning team will receive an exclusive Ducati & Silverstone Performance Experience, including:
Ducati Experience
• Presentation from the Head of Ducati UK
• Insight into Ducati performance design and engineering
• Behind-the-scenes Ducati workshop tour
• Opportunity to learn how high-performance bikes are developed
Silverstone Experience
• Guided tour of the Silverstone Circuit
• Visit to the Silverstone Museum
• Insight into motorsport engineering and innovation
Experience Day Includes
• Lunch at Silverstone
• Opportunity to meet industry professionals
• Certificates for all students
• Professional photography
(Travel included for students and supervising staff)
Runner-Up Recognition
• Certificates of achievement
• Digital showcase
• Exhibition at the NE STEM Foundation Annual Charity Fundraising Dinner
Competition Timeline
• Launch: Early April 2026
• Development: April – June 2026
• Submission Deadline: Friday 19 June 2026
• Judging: Late June – Early July 2026
• Finalists Announced: July 2026
• Winner Showcase: NE STEM Foundation Annual Charity Dinner 11 September 2026
Final Note
This challenge is about combining imagination with real engineering thinking.
Whether your idea is bold, futuristic, or extreme — what matters is:
How well you can explain it, design it, and bring it to life.
If your school would like to take part in this competition, please email Michelle@nesf.org.uk to register your expression of interest by 30th April 2026.
