2021 Virtual Programme

Introducing the 2021 Virtual Programme – a step into the future.

The 2021 season Virtual Programme will include a new global Virtual League where teams will accrue points across a range of different challenges, from the well-known Off-track Awards to a brand-new Autonomous Programming Competition. While we encourage all teams to participate in as many elements as they can, which will count towards their Virtual League standings; students can focus on individual challenges if they so choose, with specific, standalone prizes being awarded for each component competition of the league. The overall winning Virtual League team will be announced in late May 2021 with prize money offered for first through sixth place.

In addition to these new virtual elements, Shell Eco-marathon 2021 will also aim to get back out on a track, when and where safely possible across the regions. Stay tuned to the On-track Programme to be updated on potential physical competitions this season.

Registration for the Shell Eco-marathon 2021 season has now closed. Registered teams should check the pages listed below for more information on their selected activities.

Read on to stay up to date with the Virtual League!

League Competitions

The Virtual League is comprised of five virtual components, each counting towards the teams’ standings in a global ranking. Read more about this exciting competition below!

League competitionsVirtual League Table

See where your favorite team stands against other Shell Eco-marathon teams from all over the world!

League competitionsVirtual Technical Inspection

This year’s technical inspection will start in a virtual environment, where teams must demonstrate their vehicle’s compliance with a selection of technical rules. Should physical competitions take place, the inspection will then shift to an in-person setting – the final test for a Shell Eco-marathon team to be allowed on the track.

Online event

League competitionsAutonomous Programming Competition

Developed in partnership with Southwest Research Institute, this completely virtual competition challenges participants to develop path planning, perception and control algorithms for an autonomous vehicle, and then put it to the test in a simulated environment.

Online event

Virtual Programme FAQs

The Virtual Programme of the Shell Eco-marathon programme for 2021 consists of five component competitions, which are all part of a global Virtual League. Participating teams will be able to earn points via any of the five component competitions that they choose to take part in and will be globally ranked. The Virtual League consist of the following component competitions as defined in Article 90 and Article 91 in Section 6 of the Shell Eco-marathon 2021 Global Rules, Chapter I:

Pitch the Future
Autonomous Programming Competition
Bonus Challenges
Virtual Off-Track Awards (See Section 6B of the Chapter I Rules)
Virtual Technical Inspection (See Section 6A of the Chapter I Rules)

The specific dates and rules for each component competition yet undefined in Chapter I will be announced in due course.

Participation in each Virtual League component competition is voluntary, but participation in the Virtual Technical Inspection is a necessary pre-requisite for application to any on-track event in 2021, should they take place.

Find out more information about the Virtual Programme
Where and when it is safely possible to host physical events, the On-track Programme will include the new Mini Shell Eco-marathon competition. Still based on the traditional mileage challenge format, these will be smaller, more accessible events to take place across the regions, in line with the required global and local health and safety guidelines.

Find out more information about the On-track Programme.
General registration is open from September 7 to October 14, 2020 for all regions. You must register for your chance to take part in any of the virtual components, including Virtual Technical Inspection. Please note that the registration for the first of our activities, Pitch the Future, will close on September 30, 2020.

Specific registration for on-track events will open closer to the event dates next year; however, you must ensure you are already registered for Virtual Technical Inspection to be considered for on-track events.
As the global impacts of COVID-19 continue to evolve, the safety and health of our Shell Eco-marathon participants and organising teams remains our top priority.

In 2021 we will continue to monitor developments closely to determine the safest approach. We will evaluate events on a case-by-case basis and using the best information available and will only proceed with events when we are confident that all reasonable controls can be implemented.