Inspiring Young Engineers: CGI Sponsors RAF Waddington's Project X STEM Event

On a snowy November day at RAF Waddington in Lincolnshire, seven school teams gathered to test-fly their aircraft and pitch their designs in a Dragon’s Den-style competition.

These young students conceived, designed, developed, tested, and delivered innovative solutions aimed at rescuing downed aircrew. CGI proudly sponsored this 'Project X' event, now in its 10th year, as part of its ongoing STEM engagement at this strategic client site—the RAF’s hub for Intelligence, Surveillance, Targeting, and Reconnaissance (ISTAR), and the home of CGI's client, the Joint Electronic Warfare Operational Support Centre (JEWOSC).

The students faced the challenge of safely delivering "eggy rescue packages" using machines they engineered to glide across a zipwire and perform precise drops from height. This hands-on experience introduced them to the full engineering development cycle and showcased how their skills can be applied to real-world problems. The variety in the designs—ranging from the delivery mechanisms to the egg-load carriers—was as diverse as the students themselves.

Between test flights, the children took part in a range of engaging activities, including flying drones through VR headsets, coding robots, building and launching rockets, bobbing in aircrew survival dinghies, and piloting the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight's Spitfire simulator.

The event culminated with awards for "Best Dragon’s Den Pitch" and an overall "Project X Winner" trophy. The students presented their projects to a judging panel that included senior RAF officers.

CGI Director Nic Hill. Reflecting on the day, said: “The ingenuity and confidence of the students were deeply impressive, and I’m sure some engineering careers have started with Project X. I just wish I’d worn a thicker coat.”