RSGB Construction Competition 2026

Construction is a key aspect of amateur radio, whether that is soldering your first wire in a kit build to designing an advanced software or systems engineering project. In celebration of this we are excited to announce that we have launched our Construction Competition for 2026.

This is your opportunity to try something new, develop your skills and be in with the chance to win a cash prize!

As part of our strategic growth priority, we want to inspire people from different communities to find out more about amateur radio. That is why we have introduced a new category called “Reimagination”. If you think your project could be interesting to the maker community, or you have an idea that could encourage people from groups such as Men’s Sheds to try amateur radio, this is the category for you. As long as it is radio related but motivates non-radio amateurs to find out more, we welcome your entry!

As well as this, we have six other categories for you to get involved with – there really is something for everyone.

Categories

  1. Beginners: a chance to build a kit or create your own equipment to help you take your first steps into amateur radio

  2. Construction excellence: recognising the skill and craftsmanship used in building your project

  3. Outreach: a project that can be reproduced in a school or public environment

  4. Reimagination: for projects that are radio related but not necessarily requiring an amateur radio licence to construct and operate. Projects using new modulation techniques such as LoRa are encouraged

  5. Innovation: recognising an original contribution to the art and science of radio communication

  6. Software: recognising the importance of software technology to all aspects of amateur radio

  7. Antennas: an opportunity to design and build an antenna of your choice

How to enter

You need to be an RSGB member to enter, but you can live anywhere in the world – entries will be judged online to allow you to participate and demonstrate your creativity.

  1. Email a short description of your entry and up to four photos to construction.competition@rsgb.org.uk

  2. The judges also encourage you to send a link to a video that demonstrates your entry working

  3. The deadline for entries is 1 March 2026

Special recognition will be given to entries submitted by:

  1. Radio amateurs under the age of 24

  2. Those who have just gained their Foundation licence

The judges will choose the section in which an entry is judged and the number of prizes/awards, after they have looked at all the projects submitted.

Not an RSGB member?

If you’re not an RSGB member yet but love the idea of the cash prize, why not join the RSGB now and then enter the competition! Choose whether to enjoy the new Digital membership subscription or to take advantage of the discounts for Direct Debit payments if you prefer to receive RadComin the post. Not only will you be in with a chance to win the cash prize, but you’ll also be able to take advantage of the wide range of other RSGB member benefits.

What are the prizes?

A £150 cash prize will be awarded to the winner of each category, with a £50 cash prize for the runner-up.

The overall winner will also be declared the winner of the Pat Hawker G3VA Award and will receive a £200 bonus.

The winner of the beginner category will also receive the Gavin Nesbitt, MM1BXF trophy.

When will the winners be announced?

The results of the competition will be announced during the 2026 RSGB Annual General Meeting on Saturday 18 April 2026.

Looking for inspiration?

Take a look at our resources web page for links to previous winners and a Tonight@8 webinar on amateur radio construction.