The Canadian Fluid Power Challenge is designed to give Grade 7 and 8 students hands-on experience designing and building a hydraulically actuated mechanism with real-world application. The program introduces students — and their teachers — to exciting opportunities in technology careers, with a special focus on the dynamic field of fluid power.
The 2026 Canadian Fluid Power Challenge is a two-day event hosted at the Progress Campus of Centennial College in Toronto:
Workshop Day: Tuesday, March 31, 2026
Challenge Day: Wednesday, May 6, 2026
Be Part of the Next Generation of Fluid Power Talent!
The CFPA is proud to celebrate the 26th year of the Fluid Power Challenge — and we can’t do it without the continued support of our industry partners.
Team and Event Sponsorship opportunities are now open for this incredible hands-on competition, hosted once again at Centennial College:
Workshop Day: March 31
Challenge Day: May 6
Secure your sponsorship today: Sponsor Now!
Why This Matters:
The Fluid Power Challenge introduces Grade 7–8 students to engineering, design thinking, and hydraulic principles through a real-world build challenge. Students design and construct a working mechanism that lifts, rotates, and places a dowel — and document the entire process in a professional engineering portfolio.
Your sponsorship doesn’t just fund a team. It ignites early interest in STEM and fluid power careers.
Why Sponsor?
Develop Future Talent
Introduce students to hydraulics, engineering design, and hands-on problem solving — building awareness of careers in fluid power and manufacturing.
Strengthen Your Industry Visibility
Position your organization as a champion of education, innovation, and workforce development.
Make a Meaningful Community Impact
Show students that REAL companies are invested in their growth and future success.
Gain Valuable Marketing Content
Capture inspiring photos and stories for LinkedIn and internal communications that showcase your commitment to STEM and workforce development.
Sponsorship Levels
Team Sponsorship – $350
Recognition as a Team Sponsor
Support for one student team of four
Acknowledgment in event materials
Team + Event Sponsorship – $500
Sponsor a team and help cover event costs such as kit materials, venue rental, event t-shirts, and participant lunch.
Includes all Team Sponsor benefits, plus:
Website mention
Photo with your sponsored team
Honorable mention during the event
Spots are limited and fill quickly.
Join us in shaping the next generation of fluid power professionals. Commit to sponsoring today.
2026 Resources
The list below provides access to the files used by teachers and students at the 2026 Toronto Fluid Power Challenge. The “Notes” file provides step-by-step instructions for the whole Challenge process.
- 1. Team Registration Form
- 2. Student Media Consent Form
- 3. Notes for Teachers-Facilitators
- 4. Fluid Power Fundamentals
- 5. 2026 Toronto Challenge Scenario
- 6. Lifter Instructions
- 7. Pneumatic Clamp Instructions
- 8. Rotating Platform from Workshop Components Instructions
- 9. Design Process Cube Sides (legal)
- 10. Design Process Cube Instructions
- 11. Portfolio Checklist
- 12. Local Challenge Rubric Short Version
- 13. Local Challenge Rubric Detailed
- 14. Design Portfolio Notebook Template
- 15. Examples of Good Portfolio Content
- 16. Iso-Ortho Views Illustrated
- 17. Hints for Overall Success
- 18. Hints for Device Design and Construction
2025 Event Details
The 2025 Toronto Challenge took place as a collaborative effort of the CFPA, the Toronto District School Board and Centennial College, Progress Campus. Both days of the event were facilitated by Mr. Stephen Rogers of Mechanical Kits Ltd., who has been a prime resource for the CFPA Challenges for many years.
The Workshop Day was held on Tuesday, April 22nd and the Challenge Day on Wednesday, May 14th. The 2025 event saw 26 teams from 15 schools across the Toronto District School Board participate.
Winning Teams
Congratulations to all who participated! The 2025 Winning Teams are:
Best Overall
First Place:
Henry Kelsey Senior Public School—Team 1 with 153 points
Second Place:
Park Lawn Junior Middle School with 143 points
Third Place:
Hilltop Middle School with 123 points
Best Design Portfolio
First Place (a tie):
Hilltop Middle School with 48 points out of 50
Dublin Heights Elementary & Middle School with 48 points
Runner up:
Don Valley Middle School—Team 2 with 47 points
Photos
Photos from the 2025 Challenge Day can be found here.