UPV Design Factory

If, ever since you were a child, you've been taking apart whatever you could get your hands on to see what mechanisms were inside. If your dream is to join a team that's launching a university rocket into space. If you'd rather design a robot or a prosthetic hand that changes people's lives. If you're fascinated by the cars of the future, are passionate about F1, are a vehicle enthusiast or already know what the Hyperloop is. If video games are your thing, or you're passionate about photonics. Or if you prefer social activism and raising awareness of underrepresented communities. Don't hesitate. UPV Design Factory is the place for you, and it's waiting for you here, at the Universitat Politècnica de València.

Successes

The results speak for themselves as proof of teamwork's success. To give just one example, Faraday Rocketry UPV broke the national record for an amateur rocket launch by reaching an altitude of 10.843 km. UPV Ecomarathon came third in the EcoGreen Energy Challenge, held in France. Formula Student UPV was crowned champion at Formula Student Michigan (USA) and has placed the Universitat Politècnica de València at the top of the world ranking for combustion-engine vehicles. Gromep UPV won the Innovation Award at Eurobot 2026, held in France. These are just a few examples of the successes achieved in university competitions this academic year. Still, there are many other achievements whose results are not measured in podium finishes or medals.

There are currently a total of 65 teams comprising just over 3,000 students. They share a common goal: to put what they have learnt in class into practice and transform theory into the best way to make their dreams a reality. Behind this lie countless hours of teamwork, multidisciplinary groups, and sleepless nights spent working towards a shared objective. Whether they're preparing a video recording or a play, overcoming a day-to-day challenge, or rolling up their sleeves to change tyres, tighten bolts, broadcast the launch of an amateur rocket and break the record on their third attempt.

Because what defines UPV Design Factory is knowing how to turn failure into opportunity, a fall into stepping stones, and perseverance is its hallmark.

First-hand account

Manuel Gámez was the coordinator of the Debate UPV team for two years. He practised public speaking and persuasive communication skills. For him, UPV Design Factory is a "unique opportunity for students to combine their academic training with the real world". He currently works at IBM and values the skills he gained from his experience in this group.

The same goes for Ayman Berrerhdoche, co-founder and leader of Proluo, for whom this programme is "the best bridge to creating a real project that solves a real problem and has a real impact. And, of course, you learn a great deal". He is currently on an internship at an engineering and architecture firm in the Netherlands before starting his Master's in Architecture.

Ivan Prats Escuriola is studying for a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science at the Alcoy campus. He is a member of the Gomep group, with whom he has travelled and won awards. Thanks to the UPV Design Factory, he has experienced "moments I will always remember". It has allowed him to do "much more than just take part in a university project; it has enabled me to tackle real-world problems and, above all, to put into practice everything we study in class. "It's been a very enriching experience," he concludes.

Paula García discovered the UPV Design Factory whilst doing her Praktikum and knew straight away: "When I started at the UPV, the first thing I did was go to the Student Recreation Centre", where the programme's information office is located. She is a member of Poliwood, a team where she has learnt to "do voice-overs, I've made short films, I've made friends who share the same interests as me… I'm taking part in activities every week. UPV Design Factory has completely transformed my university life".

The UPV Design Factory is the pioneering programme at the Universitat Politècnica de València, launched in 2014. It acts as a launchpad for interdiciplinary student projects, promoting 'learning by doing' and enhancing cross-curricular competencies. It also places great amphasis on the mentor-student relationship. It supports teams' participation in university competitions, both nationally and internationally. It has made the UPV a benchmark university in Spain.

How about you – are you up for it?