DesignSpine Expo 2026: UIndy Engineering Students Tackle Real-World Problems
From a golf training sleeve that provides feedback on swing mechanics to an automatic plant watering system, the 2026 DesignSpine Expo showcased how UIndy engineering students are solving real-world problems.
The DesignSpine curriculum is the backbone for the experiential learning that takes place at the R.B. Annis School of Engineering. Each fall, students are placed into interdisciplinary teams to come up with creative solutions to real-life problems. At the end of the year, the DesignSpine Expo gives students, sophomore through senior, the opportunity to highlight their hard work by presenting to an audience.
Reminiscent of shows like “Shark Tank”, the expo also included a business pitch competition. While most students complete projects for outside clients and stakeholders, junior year students had the opportunity to pitch their products to business professional judges. Students were able to respond to feedback and address potential flaws in their business model or design process.
Simulating a realistic investor setting, the experience helped students improve their communication and delivery skills under pressure. “The faculty and staff grill them throughout the year, but we don’t grill them nearly as hard as this audience does,” joked Dr. Paul Talaga, associate professor of engineering.
“In the real-world we’re going to be presenting to corporations, so speaking in front of people and being challenged on a product you’ve made is one of the more valuable experiences,” said Gabriel Stockrahm ‘27 (Mechanical Engineering).
Stockrahm’s team won Best Business Pitch for their product, the Stratamount, which tackled the issue of apartment balcony space. By creating a mount that securely clamps to essentially any railing size or shape, the device acts as a sturdy table perfect for snacks, a television or even a small grill.
Other projects included the Bin Buddy, an automated recycling trash can compactor, as well as AED Scooters, a university-controlled mobility system that allows students to unlock scooters by using their student IDs. Evan Craft ’27 (Mechanical Engineering), who did all the wiring for the scooters, appreciates the hands-on learning that UIndy provides.
AED Scooters team: Evan Craft (left), Allen Merrill (right) and DeBrince Johnson (not pictured)
“The main reason I chose UIndy was for the DesignSpine curriculum,” said Craft. “I love designing a project and seeing how it works, rather than just looking at a piece of paper.”
Most institutions don’t offer students project-based classes until junior or senior year. DesignSpine starts developing the next generation of engineers during their sophomore year, giving UIndy students a competitive advantage.
“It’s helping our students greatly,” added Talaga. “They have experience working with a lot of projects and a lot of people. When they get an internship, they already have examples to talk about.”
The DesignSpine Expo not only highlights what UIndy students are building, but also the creativity, innovation and communication skills they will carry into the professional world.
