University of Alberta Engineering Student Project (ESP) Teams

Engineering Student Project (ESP) teams are student-led research and design teams that give students hands-on, real-world experience in applying classroom knowledge to complex engineering challenges. Many teams build sophisticated prototypes and compete in national and/or international competitions.

ESP teams operate as student-led research collectives, rather than primarily social-based student clubs. Unlike traditional student clubs, teams operate within a dedicated support and oversight structure that prioritizes safety, professionalism and long-term project success. The faculty’s Experiential and Professional Education (EPE) unit was established to provide this specialized support, ensuring projects meet the standards of research-grade safety and engineering practice. This model reflects the technical complexity and scale of their work—designing rockets, autonomous vehicles, sustainable infrastructure and other advanced systems.

With more than 20 teams across diverse fields, including aerospace, robotics, vehicle design, sustainability and civil engineering. The projects are multidisciplinary by nature, welcoming students from a wide range of backgrounds apart from engineering, such as science, arts and business. Many teams build sophisticated prototypes and compete in national and/or international competitions.

STUDENT DEVELOPMENT + PARTICIPATION

By joining an ESP team, students develop both technical and non-technical skills—such as leadership, collaboration, communication, project management and more. Teams often work closely with faculty advisors and industry sponsors, offering valuable networking and mentorship opportunities.

• Eligibility: At least 80% of team members must be current University of Alberta students, and at least half of those must be engineering students.
• Team Size: A minimum of ten members is required to maintain sustainable operations.
• Time Commitment: Teams typically operate year-round, with peak design and build phases from September through June. Complex projects often span multiple years.
• Location: Most work takes place in dedicated spaces in the engineering buildings on the university’s North Campus, through various shared spaces are available for supporting design, laydown, meetings and more.
• Credit Status: ESP teams are currently co-curricular (non-credit). However, the faculty is exploring ways to formally recognize the experiential learning outcomes of significant project team involvement.

Get Involved

How to join a project team or start a new project team

Joining an Existing Project

Any student at the University of Alberta—not just engineering students—can join an existing team. Each team manages its own recruitment, typically at the start of each term. Joining an established project group is the best way to get started quickly and gain hands-on experience within a supportive framework.

Starting a New Project (Incubation Process)

Students interested in creating a new ESP team must complete the Incubation Process, a one-year development pathway that ensures the new project is sustainable and aligned with faculty goals. This ensures that new projects begin with clear leadership, sustainable funding strategies, and strong faculty mentorship.

• Competitive Entry: Up to two new teams are accepted each year.
• Initial Screening: Proposed projects must be unique and not overlap with existing teams.
• Team Requirements: A minimum of ten student members and an approved Primary Faculty Advisor (Academic Teaching Staff (ATS) from the Faculty of Engineering) are required.
• Planning and Funding: Teams must submit a Concept of Operations and an Initial Budget Plan that demonstrates a viable plan and at least 30% of expected funding from non-Faculty sources.
• Faculty Funding During Incubation: Limited to $2,500 (as needed) for initial deliverables and setup—not large-scale prototyping or competition travel.

Teams that complete the incubation successfully and pass faculty review receive official ESP team recognition and access to full funding and support programs.

ENGINEERING STUDENT PROJECT TEAM MANAGEMENT + SUPPORT

The Faculty of Engineering, through the Experiential and Professional Education (EPE) unit, provides a unique support structure tailored to the complex needs of ESP teams. This includes funding, facilities, training and safety oversight. This professional support structure ensures projects remain safe, sustainable and academically grounded—highlighting the faculty’s commitment to the quality and longevity of its student-led research portfolio.

This table has header in the first column. The first column lists the support offered by the faculty, and the second column explains it further.

Financial Support	The faculty provides base project funding for all recognized teams, distributed through a review process. The ESP Faculty Support Team also assists with sponsorship development and funding allocation. The Engineering the Next Generation Fund is invaluable. However, teams are expected to build additional support through sponsorships, fundraising and industry partnerships. This shared funding model allows faculty investment to have greater reach—supporting a diverse portfolio of projects—while giving partners an opportunity to play a vital role in supporting high-impact student research.
Facilities and Resources	Access to specialized workspaces in faculty buildings (e.g., Elko Engineering Garage ETLC 6th floor meeting and design space, and the ECERF L1 Parkade Workspace).
Operational Guidance	Support for administration, finance and project management. Teams receive training to self-organize, grow sustainably and manage operations effectively.
Safety and Technical Oversight	Dedicated risk management and safety support, including training (e.g., high-voltage safety) and access to faculty technical advisors and principal investigators (PIs).

OUR TEAM

• Engineering Student Projects Manager: Oversees project operations, logistics, and funding coordination.
• Student Project’s Coordinator: Coordinates day-to-day operation, purchases, and administers space usage.
• EPE Financial Administrator: Large-scale vendor purchases, travel and flight coordination, integration with university purchasing systems.
• Technical and Machinist Staff: Provide hands-on fabrication and technical guidance for complex builds.
• Safety Advisor: Ensures that all project work complies with engineering safety standards.

CONTACT US

For more information about Engineering Student Project Teams: foeproj@ualberta.ca