We are inviting industry to explore sponsorship opportunities for the UK Rocketry Challenge (UKROC) 2027 and learn how your organisation can help inspire the next generation of engineers, innovators and leaders.
Now entering its 21st year, the UK Rocketry Challenge is one of the UK's leading STEM competitions, bringing together young people aged 11-18 to design, build and launch model rockets while developing practical engineering, teamwork and presentation skills. ADS has proudly organised the competition since 2006.
Why Sponsor UKROC?
UKROC would not be possible without the support of sponsors, partners and industry specialists. Sponsorship helps us expand participation across the UK, creating opportunities for more young people to engage with STEM and discover rewarding careers in the aerospace, defence, security and space sectors.
By sponsoring UKROC, your organisation can:
- Demonstrate its commitment to STEM education and skills development
- Support social value and ESG objectives by enabling greater access to the competition
- Raise awareness of your organisation among students, teachers, parents and local communities
- Build relationships with schools and youth groups
- Engage with future talent and strengthen your long-term recruitment pipeline
- Increase brand visibility through regional and national events, digital communications and promotional activity.
About UKROC
The UK Rocketry Challenge is a national competition for young people aged 11-18 from secondary schools, colleges, educational facilities and youth groups. Teams are challenged to design, build and launch a model rocket carrying a fragile payload of two raw eggs.
Promoting STEM, creativity, innovation and essential life skills, UKROC provides hands-on engineering experience. Exploring aerospace, aviation and space, UKROC complements what students are already learning in Science, Technology and Maths, helping them develop the knowledge and transferable skills needed for careers across ADS' four sectors.
Regional events take place across the UK before qualifying teams progress to the UK National Final. The winning team then represents the UK at the International Rocketry Challenge, competing against teams from the United States, France, Japan and Ukraine at either the Farnborough International Airshow or Paris Air Show.
At the International Final held during Farnborough International Airshow 2026, Team 'Triple T Rockets' from Abbeyfield School secured an impressive second-place finish, narrowly missing out on the international title. The next International Final will take place at Paris Air Show 2027.
A View from ADS
The future success of our sectors depends on developing the next generation of talent.
The UK Rocketry Challenge provides young people with practical STEM experience while introducing them to exciting, high-value career opportunities across the aerospace, defence, security and space sectors.
ADS Chief Executive Kevin Craven said:
"The UK Rocketry Challenge is a fantastic example of how the aerospace, defence, security and space sectors can support and encourage young people into fascinating and rewarding careers in our four flourishing sectors.
With more than 29,000 apprenticeships across our industries, we are committed to building a strong pipeline of talent to meet the demands of the future. Continued support for initiatives like this is vital to tackling the UK's growing skills gap and opening up high-quality career opportunities for young people across the UK."
Become a UKROC 2027 Sponsor
We offer a range of flexible sponsorship opportunities at both regional and national level, allowing organisations to align their investment with their objectives and areas of interest. Sponsorship packages can provide opportunities for brand exposure, event participation, community engagement and direct interaction with young people interested in STEM.
View the available sponsorship opportunities and speak to Joe Peace, Head of Event Sales to learn how your organisation can get involved in UKROC 2027.
