Calling innovators across Surrey and beyond: design, build and compete in Surrey Research Park’s first-ever gravity-powered Soapbox Derby.

If you’re an innovative company in Surrey or beyond, you’re invited to take part in the first-ever Surrey Research Park Soapbox Derby, a lunchtime gravity-powered kart challenge on Wednesday 4 November 2026.

Get a team together, design and build your own soapbox, then bring it to the Park to compete.

Full guidance, build tips and everything you need to get started are available on our website. Register your interest with no obligation, then confirm your team’s place by Friday 2 October.

Teams will design and build their own gravity-powered soapbox, with one driver taking on an approximately 75-metre timed course.

But it’s about much more than speed.

In a nod to the showmanship of Red Bull-style soapbox events, teams will also be encouraged to bring creativity and personality to the starting line, with engineering excellence, original design, costumes and pre-run performance all part of the spectacle.

When

Wednesday 4 November 2026

Soapbox activity from 12 noon

Surrey IN Motion innovation showcase from approximately 11:30am to 3:00pm.

Where

Surrey Technology Centre

Surrey Research Park

Guildford, Surrey, GU2 7YG

The course is fully off-road and designed to keep speeds modest, putting the emphasis on clever design, engineering and driving skill.

Want to enter a team?

Teams can include up to six people.

Get together, sketch an idea, build your soapbox and compete against innovative teams from across the region.

Team captains need to confirm their team’s place by Friday 2 October 2026.

Download the Participant Guide and register your interest via our website.

Coming to watch?

The Derby is a free lunchtime event open to spectators.

Come along to see the soapboxes, enjoy the Surrey IN Motion innovation showcase and find out who will become the first Surrey Research Park Soapbox Champion.

Description supplied by the event organiser.