BUILD THE VILLAIN’S MACHINE

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

Judging Criteria

All entries will be assessed by a panel of STEM and industry judges using the following criteria:

Category		Weighting	What Judges Are Looking For
Engineering & STEM Thinking		25%	Clear understanding of how the bike works. Modifications are logical, explained, and grounded in engineering principles (age appropriate).
Use of Ducati Base Model		15%	Strong connection to a real Ducati bike. Design builds on real features such as engine, structure, and performance characteristics.
Design & Visual Impact		20%	Bold, striking, and premium design. The bike should feel iconic and visually powerful.
Creativity & Originality		15%	Unique, imaginative ideas that push beyond standard designs.
Storytelling (Villain + Bike Name)		10%	A compelling villain concept and a strong, well-justified name for the bike that enhances its identity.
Performance Concept & Specifications		10%	Performance ideas are realistic, well thought out, and clearly explained.
Presentation & Teamwork		5%	Clear, well-structured submission showing collaboration and effort.

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 30^th April 2026.