Trimble has long supported EWB’s mission in the U.S. through technology donations, STEM initiatives, and financial grants for climate resiliency projects via the Trimble Foundation Fund. Now, the company is expanding its support.

Engineering for a changing world

Now in its 15th year, the Engineering for People Design Challenge puts multidisciplinary teams of engineering students to work at the forefront of social and environmental challenges. The 2025/2026 challenge focuses on Ladywood, an inner-city community in Birmingham, England, which faces the same pressures as many global cities: economic inequality, infrastructure under-investment, and a changing climate.

The challenge uses project-based learning to immerse students in real-world contexts. Teams work collaboratively to propose sustainable solutions, developing critical skills in ethical decision-making, cultural sensitivity and community engagement.

"The Engineering for People Design Challenge instills a new mindset in the next generation of professionals," said John Kraus, CEO of Engineers Without Borders UK. "It pushes students to look beyond technical considerations and ask: 'Why do we engineer? How does this serve people while remaining within the natural limits of our planet?'"

Bridging education and impact

By 2024/2025, the Engineering for People Design Challenge had reached over 110,000 students. The 2025/2026 Challenge already involves more than 40 universities and 1650 teams from the UK, Ireland, Nepal, the Netherlands, South Africa and the US, including a record cohort from Aston University in Birmingham, which will field more than 250 teams. The goal is for the winning 'idea' to be able to progress in collaboration at the community partner's discretion. Read more about the winning teams from last year at https://www.ewb-uk.org/human-needs-sustainable-solutions/.

"What we hear time and again is that this program is transformative," said Dr. Panos Doss, lead for the challenge at Aston University. "Many students are initially attracted to the technical side of engineering. We introduced this experience early to show them the vital importance of sustainability, helping to shape the rest of their careers."

Throughout the academic year, interdisciplinary student teams develop design concepts which are evaluated by academic staff and EWB volunteers. The top teams advance to national finals to pitch their solutions to a panel of industry judges.

“Trimble is proud to support a program that moves beyond theory and challenges the future workforce to learn how to connect digital innovation with human impact,” said Mark Schwartz, senior vice president of AECO software at Trimble. “In turn, this is a creative approach for Birmingham to reimagine its civic infrastructure through community-led design and consider how neighborhood-scale systems can drive sustainable outcomes.”

About Trimble

Trimble is a global technology company that connects the physical and digital worlds, transforming the ways work gets done. With relentless innovation in precise positioning, modeling and data analytics, Trimble enables essential industries including construction, geospatial and transportation. Whether it's helping customers build and maintain infrastructure, design and construct buildings, optimize global supply chains or map the world, Trimble is at the forefront, driving productivity and progress. For more information about Trimble, visit: www.trimble.com.

About the Engineers Without Borders network

Engineers Without Borders organisations leverage engineering skills and expertise towards ensuring a safe and just future for all within the sustainable limits of our planet, in particular to support those that are most vulnerable in society. Established approximately 40 years ago, the global Engineers Without Borders network spans more than 50 EWB organisations across Africa, Asia, the Pacific, the Middle East, Europe, North, South and Central America, and is coordinated by EWB International. Visit www.ewb-international.org/.

About Engineers Without Borders UK

Engineers Without Borders UK is leading the transition to globally responsible engineering. By reimagining how engineering is taught and practised, we equip individuals, teams, and organisations with the skills and mindset to accelerate this transformation. As part of a global movement of over 50 Engineers Without Borders organisations, we are shaping a future where engineering contributes to a safe and just world for all. Learn more at www.ewb-uk.org.