Join us at the finale of de Self Driving Challenge 2026
Experience the Future of Autonomous Driving
What happens when AI, robotics, automotive engineering and software development come together on a real test track?
On June 16, 2026, the RDW Test Centre in Lelystad will host the final of the RDW Self Driving Challenge, the largest edition of the competition so far. Student teams from universities and universities of applied sciences across the Netherlands, together with an international team from Turkey, will compete with fully autonomous vehicles in realistic traffic scenarios.
This is not a simulation. This is autonomous technology in action! And you are invited!
Self-driving vehicles. Real-time decisions.
During the challenge, autonomous vehicles must independently navigate a realistic course featuring intersections, traffic lights, pedestrian crossings, lane changes and parking manoeuvres, all without human intervention.
The teams only receive the exact route on the morning of the event, meaning their systems must be robust enough to handle real-world uncertainty and make decisions in real time.
Teams compete in two categories:
- Open Category: teams design and build their own autonomous vehicle, including the hardware, sensors and software stack.
- Closed Category: teams program a standardized electric RDW go-kart using technologies such as cameras and LiDAR, with the focus on AI, perception and real-time decision making.
The challenge demonstrates how technologies like machine learning, computer vision, robotics, embedded systems and sensor fusion come together in one of the most complex engineering fields today: autonomous driving.
More than a competition
The RDW Self Driving Challenge is not your typical tech conference or student competition. The final is designed as an interactive experience with a real festival atmosphere.
You can:
- Experience rides on the RDW test track
- Explore advanced driver assistance systems
- Try demo's and simulators
- Attend inspiring TED-style talks about AI and future mobility
- Meet students, researchers and professionals from the automotive and ICT sector
- Meet the RDW
The day will be hosted by Ronald Tameling, better known as Huge Car Guy.
Why you should attend
For students in AI, Computer Science, Data Science, Robotics, Automotive, Mechatronics, Embedded Systems or Software Engineering, the event offers a unique opportunity to experience how classroom concepts are applied in the real world.
Rather than hearing about autonomous systems in theory, you can see — and experience — how software, sensors and hardware work together to create intelligent vehicles capable of navigating complex environments autonomously.
It is also an excellent opportunity to network with teams, and professionals of the RDW.
Event information
- 📍 RDW Test Centre, Lelystad
- 📅 June 16, 2026
- 🕙 10:00 – approximately 15:00
- 🚌 Free shuttle bus from Lelystad Centrum station
- 🎟️ Free entry, including lunch and non-alcoholic drinks
More information and registration: click here.