Think of it as a blend of Project Runway and Shark Tank—but for architecture, engineering, and construction management students. Competing teams will own their creative solutions and vie for cash prizes, bragging rights, and real-world exposure.

PRIZES

• Overall Winning Team – $1,000 per team member
• People’s Choice Team – $500 per team member
• WOW Factor Award – $500 to one standout student

THE GOAL

Surprise the jury. Solve real precast challenges. Promote the value of precast solutions. And most of all—have fun while showcasing your talent and education in precast concrete.

THE COMPETITION

Up to 8 cross-functional teams (4 students each: 2 architecture, 1 engineering, 1 construction management) will be selected to compete live at the PCI Convention, held Feb. 2–6, 2026, in Kansas City, Mo. Students will apply individually to participate in the challenge. After the application period, teams will be formed through a draft pick process conducted by the Team Sponsors. Each team will be paired with a PCI Precast Producer or Professional Member, who will serve as a mentor and guide throughout the duration of the challenge.

ALL EXPENSES COVERED

Selected students will receive a fully funded trip to the PCI Convention, including:

• Airfare or travel allowance
• Lodging (double occupancy)
• Meals
• Convention entry
• Competition T-shirts
• Awards ceremony

WHAT TO EXPECT

The design challenge—revealed at the start—will focus on real-world precast issues in architecture, jobsite logistics, engineering, fabrication, or a combination of these. Teams will:

• Receive the fictitious project brief
• Visit a project site and explore the trade show floor for inspiration
• Collaborate in a workroom with input from their mentor
• Finalize and present their solution to a live audience

HOW TO ENTER

Submit your application by Oct. 24, 2025. Participants will be notified by Nov. 21, 2025.

For questions, contact:
Nancy Peterson
EnCon United
(303) 994-5805
npeterson@enconunited.com

 

SPONSORS

Eligibility: To be eligible to take part in this competition, you must currently be enrolled in a school of architecture, engineering, or construction management.

For questions, contact:
Nancy Peterson
EnCon United
(303) 994-5805
npeterson@enconunited.com

 

SPONSORS

 

I understand that there may be risks associated with my participation in Project Precast2026 and that such risks could result in property loss or damage, injury, or death – in addition to the general risks inherent in all activities (e.g., travel risks, premises risks, bodily injury risks, equipment risks, and unforeseeable risks I agree that my safety is primarily dependent on taking proper care of myself. I understand that it is my responsibility to know and to provide what I will need for activities, and I will observe all rules and practices that may be employed to minimize the risk of injury or property damage. I agree to seek assistance if I do not believe I can safely continue any activity. I represent that I am physically fit to participate in the activity and that I have adequate health insurance necessary to pay or, in the absence of insurance, will be financially responsible for paying all amounts or charges for any medical bills that I may incur during my trip to and during the Project Precast competition. I acknowledge and accept full responsibility for any expenses incurred as a result of such emergency treatment to the extent such expenses are not covered by my insurance. I also agree to indemnify The Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute Foundation (“PCIF”), and The Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute (“PCI”) for any liability, including attorney’s fees, for any actions brought against PCIF or PCI for unpaid medical costs or bills I incur. I authorize PCIF and PCI to act on my behalf in a medical emergency if I am unable to do so. I will conduct myself in a responsible manner, act safely, abide by all federal, state, and local laws or ordinances, and follow the rules, procedures, or instructions of PCIF and PCI. I also agree to abide at all times by PCIF’s & PCI’s rules related to codes of conduct while traveling to Kansas City, Mo., and attending The Precast Show & Project Precast 2026. I understand that failure to do so may result in not being allowed to continue participation in any activities during this trip.

For questions, contact:

Nancy Peterson

EnCon United

(303) 994-5805

npeterson@enconunited.com

In connection with my involvement with the PCI Foundation (PCIF) and the Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute (PCI), I understand that video, photographs, or other recordings of my interactions with fellow applicants, PCIF & PCI employees, sponsors, attendees, and/or others (“images”) may be made by the PCIF & PCI, its employees, or agents. These images may include audio and video recordings of interviews or testimonials I may provide to the industry for PCIF’s & PCI’s social media, brochures or print media, on the PCIF & PCI’s website, or in other marketing or promo- tion programs or for industry and/or attendee promotional and/or training programs. I expressly give the PCIF & PCI authorization to record and/or photograph me. By signing below, and by continuing my participation after signing this Consent and Release, I understand and agree that:

• The PCIF & PCI may use my photograph(s) or likeness(es) at its sole discretion;
• The PCIF & PCI may use the photograph(s) in the original form or in a modified or edited form;
• The PCIF & PCI may use the resulting photograph(s) or likeness(es) without my prior inspection or approval of the finished product;
• These photograph(s) or likeness(es) may include images recorded in connection with this and other industry contests;
• I will not receive any sort of compensation or remuneration for the PCIF’s or PCI’s use of my photograph(s) or likeness(es) and the pho- tograph(s) and other materials with my likeness(es) will be the sole property of the PCIF & PCI. I further waive any rights to such photograph(s), likeness(es) or material(s), including but not limited to any copyrights;
• This Consent and Release can be terminated only prospectively; I cannot revoke it retroactively; and if I wish to terminate this Consent and Release, I must give the PCIF & PCI a signed written notice of my intent to terminate it; and
• I further release the PCIF & PCI, its parents, subsidiaries, affiliates, managers, directors, officers, employees, agents, insurers, and attorneys (collectively, the “Released Parties”) from any and all rights to, and claims, demands or damages arising from, the PCIF’s & PCI’s use of these images, photographs, video, or other recordings in whatever form derived or stored.

For questions, contact:

Nancy Peterson

EnCon United

(303) 994-5805

npeterson@enconunited.com