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What is MEC?

MEC is an annual student-run competition by the McMaster Engineering Society where undergraduate students solve real-world engineering problems with limited supplies and time constraints, testing critical thinking, creativity, teamwork, and communication.

The competition features nine categories: Junior/Senior Design, Bioengineering, Programming, Innovative Design, Debate, Consulting, Communications, and Re-Engineering. Top winners advance to the Ontario Engineering Competition (OEC), renowned for over 45 years.

MEC 2026 is split into 2 days:

• Design Day - Sunday November 15th : 6-hour competition for prototype building and presentation creation
• Judging Day - Sunday November 22nd: 10-minute finalist presentations to judges </aside>

Registration & Eligibility

• I don’t want to participate as a competitor in MEC, but I do want to help the event. Can I sign up for that?
• Who can register for MEC?
• Who can I contact if I have further questions or need more information?

Teams & Categories

• How many people are allowed to form a team? Can I go solo?
• What if I can’t find a team?
• Can I join multiple categories?
• Junior Design vs. Senior Design – What’s the difference?

Competition Rules & Logistics

• What should we bring to the event?
• How are projects judged?
• Can we use external resources (e.g., the internet) during the competition?
• What happens if I need to withdraw from the competition?
• Are prompts provided for each category? Can we see them in advance pretty please?
• What competition categories are you allowed to prepare before/after the competition?
• Will we be fed?
• How do I get a course bonus?
• Can I choose more than one course for a bonus?