Ottonel Popesco Student Challenge 2026/2027
The PEMA Ottonel Popesco Student Challenge returns for the 2026/2027 academic year. For over a decade, PEMA has received submissions from universities for its competition. It is inspiring to see these submissions from the next generation of minds who will be leading the industry in the future. Open to undergraduate and postgraduate students globally, teams will be in with a chance to win a cash prize of €2,000 for the winning submission. So whether you are studying for a degree in engineering, applied sciences, marine technology or simply have an interest in the world of ports and terminals, share your big ideas with us and you could be our next Student Challenge champion!
The 2026/2027 topic is:
How can AI support operational decision-making in ports and terminals, increasing productivity while improving safety and reducing environmental impact?
Further Information
For more information on the Student Challenge and this year’s topic, view our information booklet with full details on submission and deadlines.
2026/2027 challenge booklet will be available on Tuesday 20th October 2026 – check back for more!
Contact
If you have any queries relating to the Student Challenge, please feel free to contact the PEMA Administration Team by email at info@pema.org.
Student Challenge Sign-Up 2026/2027
Blekinge Institute of Technology, Sweden – represented by Praharsh Pulla, Thanu Reddy Pathipati, Kamaleswar Urranki and Sai Naga Krishna Kaushik Nerusu – emerged victorious with their presentation on zero wait STS to eliminate idle time between crane moves for the 2025/2026 topic ‘innovative ways to increase the STS cycle’. The winning students were presented their certificates and prize cheque on February 14th, 2024 by PEMA Safety & Environment Committee Chair Beatrice Björk.
We would like to thank all university teams that took part in the 2025/2026 challenge with their creative, dynamic and innovative ideas.