The International Civil Engineering Competition (ICEC)

The International Civil Engineering Competition (ICEC) is a global competition for civil engineering students. It is organized by the International Association of Civil Engineering Students (IACES) and is one of the annual highlights of our university group. The competition combines technical knowledge, creativity, and international collaboration.

How does ICEC work?

ICEC has two phases:

These are organized by student groups (called Local Committees or LCs) at universities around the world. Students compete in teams of three and solve practical problems related to civil engineering. The winning team from each university qualifies for the next round.

Final Stage:

The winners of the local stages come together for the international final. The teams still consist of three students. Each year, a different Local Committee hosts the final, which lasts one week. It combines technical challenges, cultural exchange, and networking.

What kind of tasks do participants solve?

In both phases, teams work on challenges from different areas of civil engineering, such as:

• Structural design (e.g. material optimization, load-bearing capacity)

• Geotechnics (e.g. soil analysis, stability calculations)

• Transportation (e.g. planning of roads and railway systems)

• Hydraulic engineering (e.g. sustainable water management)

• Environmental engineering (e.g. reducing CO₂ in construction)

• Construction management (e.g. managing large-scale projects)

• Urban planning (e.g. innovative solutions for city development)

The tasks are created and supervised by university institutes and professors. This ensures they are both academic and practical.

What makes ICEC special?

• Real-world focus: The tasks prepare students for real challenges in civil engineering and help develop practical skills.

• International platform: ICEC connects students, professionals, and companies from all over the world, making it a great opportunity to share ideas and build networks.

• Talent development: Companies get the chance to meet motivated young talents.

• Major event: ICEC is one of the most important events for our university group. It’s popular with students, professionals, and academic institutes alike.

ICEC 2025 in Karlsruhe

This year, the Local Committee in Karlsruhe is especially proud to host not only the local round but also the international final. We expect around 55 international guests and another 30 participants from KIT.

With its mix of technical competition, intercultural exchange, and academic support, ICEC is a unique platform for civil engineering students. It’s a great chance to connect with future engineers and professionals from all over the world. For companies, ICEC is a valuable opportunity to meet young talents and support the next generation of engineers.