FAQ Student Competition Info | PACK Challenge Competition

What is the PACK Challenge?

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The PACK Challenge is a real-world packaging competition that brings together high school teams for a head-to-head machine-building contest. Teams are tasked with designing, building, and showcasing innovative packaging machinery, putting their creativity, engineering skills, and teamwork to the ultimate test.

Where does PACK Challenge take place?

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PACK Challenge runs on an alternating schedule. One season is fully virtual, while the following season includes virtual qualifiers and in-person finals at PACK EXPO International in Chicago.

Virtual Seasons (Odd Years): During virtual seasons, teams complete the entire competition from their own school, lab, or workshop environment and submit their entries through the PACK Challenge portal.This structure helps ensure accessibility for teams regardless of location, while still providing meaningful, real-world learning experiences.There will be opportunities to attend in-person events where you can explore the packaging industry up close and get ideas for your submissions, but these events are entirely optional.

In-Person Seasons (Even Years): During in-person seasons, teams begin the competition virtually from their own school, lab, or workshop environment. Teams selected to advance to the finals will then receive an official build kit and have until the fall to design and build their machine locally.The finals take place live at PACK EXPO International in Chicago, where finalist teams transport their machines to compete in a series of live challenges in front of industry professionals. Support is provided to help finalist teams travel to the show with their machines.

Who can participate?

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High school teams from registered schools, STEM programs, or organizations are invited to participate! Each team should include students with a mix of skills, such as mechanical, electrical, programming, and marketing. Working together as a team helps bring different ideas and talents to the project.

Every team must have a designated advisor, such as a teacher, coach, or program coordinator, who will guide and support the students.

What is the objective of the competition?

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Teams are challenged to design and build functional packaging machinery that addresses real-world industry needs. The competition emphasizes innovation, efficiency, and practical application, providing students with hands-on experience in the packaging field.

What industry support does PACK Challenge provide?

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Mentors and Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) may be assigned to teams throughout the competition. All mentors are industry professionals from the packaging and processing industry with strong knowledge of PACK Challenge, helping teams and guide them toward reaching their full potential.

What resources are provided to participating teams?

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Once your team registers, you’ll get access to the competition portal, where you’ll find everything you need to get started in the qualifier round. This includes the customer request letter, technical details, important dates, and helpful resources to guide your team through the challenge.

You won’t be doing it alone! Teams will also have the opportunity to connect with industry mentors and leaders from the packaging industry who can share advice, answer questions, and help you think like real engineers and innovators.

If your team advances to the finals, most of the components and materials needed to build your machine will be shipped directly to your school, courtesy of the PACK Challenge and our industry partners, so your team can turn your design into a real, working machine.

Are there prizes?

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Yes, there are up to $20,000 in prizes to be won!

How to register a school or team.

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Designate a school advisor—a teacher, mentor, or program lead will be the go-to contact. Complete the registration form and fill out basic info: school name, location, advisor contact details, and program focus(engineering, robotics, etc.). Hit submit and wait for a confirmation email with your school code.

Can I still go to PACK EXPO if I don’t qualify for finals?

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Absolutely! We encourage students to attend the shows to support the finalists. It's also a fantastic opportunity to see the Packaging and Processing industry and all the technology that comes with it - everything from automations and robotics!

When does registration for the next season open?

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The 2027 PACK Challenge season will be fully virtual, with the official announcement coming this fall.

Registration opens in November 2026, marking the official start of the competition.Now is the perfect time to start building your team, researching the packaging industry, and preparing your skills so you're ready to hit the ground running and get ahead in the competition when registration opens!

What’s required of the teams?

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We highly recommend that you have access to CAD design software, a 3D printer, or similar products to develop a prototype of your machine, along with the tools and space to build your machine if you get through to the finals!

Other than that, all you need is the space to build, the right mindset, and a winning attitude!

How much does it cost?

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The competition is free to enter, and the PACK Challenge is designed to be as accessible as possible for participating teams. PMMI and competition sponsors will provide many of the key materials and resources needed to support your team throughout the challenge.

Teams should be aware that they will need access to basic materials and tools within their own school or lab environment (for example, standard workshop tools, building materials, and access to CAD or a similar design program) in order to develop and construct their machine.

How big are the teams?

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Teams don’t have a set size; however, we recommend 5-15 students.

What does the PACK Challenge registration include?

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Once you register for the PACK Challenge, here’s what you’ll get access to:

Access to the Competition Portal – Your innovation journey starts here!
Welcome Kit – Blueprints, rules, and all the essentials to kick off your challenge.
Mentor Access – Connect with industry experts who can guide your team.

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