Welcome to Surgical Robot Challenge 2026. The Surgical Robot Challenge is an international competition to showcase new advances in surgical robot technology. To enter the competition, you will need to create a 2-minute video of a surgical robot technology that you have been developing.

While applications are open to diverse focus areas, this year we are particularly interested in submissions that celebrate frugal innovation, practical application, and thoughtful design in showcasing how robots can enhance surgical procedures with a focus on maximising impact on low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Developing surgical prototypes for LMICs demands a focus on affordability, simplicity, and scalability. Prototypes must address critical surgical gaps by being adaptable to resource-constrained environments, such as limited electricity or sterilisation facilities. Ultimately, such innovations should improve surgical care access, reduce mortality rates, and enhance health equity in LMICs.

Applications will be assessed on the following areas:

• Application
• Innovation
• Design

This global competition draws participation from leading surgical robotics groups worldwide, providing a platform to unveil inventive concepts across a broad range of surgical robot platforms.

In 2026, the competition will feature one winning team and two runner-up teams. There will be an online award ceremony in May (date TBC) announcing the winning team and two runner up teams. The winning team will receive an expenses-paid trip for two team members to attend the Hamlyn Symposium on Medical Robotics in London on 24–25 June 2026, including travel, three nights of accommodation, and full symposium registration. We will also invite a selection of the most visually compelling demos (not necessarily the winning entries) to showcase their work at the symposium. Those invited will also receive free registration.

Entries are encouraged to incorporate a newly developed aspect, building on existing ideas. While submissions are ideally expected to manifest as final working prototypes, the judging panel will also evaluate designs and development plans. The emphasis is on introducing innovative elements that enhance the overall concept, whether through advancements in functionality, efficiency, or other relevant criteria.

We welcome applications from institutions globally, and all applicants must have affiliations with academic organisations. While we do accept applications from industry, they must collaborate with an academic institution to be eligible for consideration. This collaborative approach ensures a synergistic blend of academic and industrial expertise in submitted applications.

What will I need to do to enter the competition?

All applicants are asked to submit:

• an online entry form (below);
• a 2-minute video demo of their entry;
• a 5-slide PowerPoint presentation.

New video submission requirements:

Create a 2-minute video that showcases your surgical robot technology. Your video should include:

• a title screen listing: the name of your entry; the names and affiliations of the contributors; the name(s) of the institution(s).
• high-quality footage of your surgical robot technology in action.
• audio narration.
• Do not include any footage of cadaver or animal studies.
• Your video should be recorded at 1920×1080 or 4K resolution.
• Do not include any copyrighted content.

Please note that the video duration and slide limits are strictly enforced.

Deadline for applications: 20th March 2026

Surgical Robot Challenge Application 2026

Surgical Robot Challenge 2026 Application

Your Details

Title *

Name *

Name

First

First

Last

Last

Email *

Research Group *

Institution *

Website/URL *

Are you *

Undergrad

Master

PhD Student

PostDoc

Lecturer

OtherOther

Team Details

Team Members *

Please provide details of all team members including: First Name, Surname, Email, Institution.

Is your project in collaboration with and/or sponsored by a company? *

No

Yes, with a start-up company under 3 years old

Yes, with a company of 3 or more years old

Company Name *

Company Website/URL *

Please describe the role of the company in your entry: *

0 of 300 max characters

Project Details

Project Title *

Lay Summary *

0 of 700 max characters

Please submit a description of your project using layman terms.

Introduction *

0 of 900 max characters

Materials and Method *

0 of 2000 max characters

Results *

0 of 900 max characters

Discussion *

0 of 1300 max characters

What software and hardware aspects of your project are new to this entry to the Surgical Robot Challenge? *

0 of 1000 max characters

What aspects of your entry are particularly relevant to frugal innovation and what are the potential impacts on LMICs? *

0 of 1000 max characters

We will also invite a selection of the most visually compelling demos (not necessarily the winners) to the symposium to showcase their entry! Those invited will be granted free registration to the symposium.

Would you be interested in showcasing your demo at the symposium if invited: *

Yes

No

Attach your 2 minute video *

Drop a file here or click to upload Choose File

Maximum file size: 16MB

Accepted file types: avi, flv, mkv, mp3, m4a, m4b, mp4, m4p, wma. Max. file size: 16 MB. Please Note: Entries that exceed the 2-minute time limit will not be accepted.

Attach your 5 slide presentation *

Drop a file here or click to upload Choose File

Maximum file size: 16MB

Accepted file types: pdf. Max. file size: 16 MB. Please submit a PDF file. Please Note: Presentations that exceed the 5 slide/page limit will not be accepted.

Consent *

By submitting this form, I understand my video entry will be posted on the Hamlyn Symposium website and YouTube channel, and that the Hamlyn Centre retains the right to use it in the future. I can withdraw my consent at any point by emailing Marianne Knight on marianne.knight@imperial.ac.uk.

Submit Start Over

If you are human, leave this field blank.

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Frequently Asked Questions:

Please contact Marianne Knight if you have any further questions not covered here.

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