THE PREMIER SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING & MATHS ACTIVE LEARNING PROGRAM
Since 1991, the Energy Breakthrough has provided opportunities for students, teachers, parents and local industry to work together to design and construct a vehicle, a machine or an innovation in technology that represents an ‘energy breakthrough’.
The 2025 Energy Breakthrough event will be held from Wednesday 19 to Sunday 23 November 2025 in Maryborough, Victoria.
In 2025, over 250 teams from. across Victoria and beyond are expected to compete across five distinct categories, catering for different levels of technology application and understanding.
Turn imagination into actionDiscover your full potentialChallenge yourselfCreate new memoriesEncourage others on this journeyAchieve a breakthrough
Hands-on STEM Learning
Students actively design, build, and test vehicles, applying science, technology, engineering, and maths concepts in a real-world context.
Teamwork & Collaboration
The Energy Breakthrough emphasises teamwork, requiring students, teachers, parents, and the community to work together towards a common goal.
Problem Solving & Innovation
Students are challenged to find creative and innovative solutions to energy efficiency and the role this plays in our collective future.
Multi-faceted Assessment
Teams are evaluated not only on the performance in trials but also on design & construction and display & presentation, fostering diverse skills.
ENTRY CATEGORIES
Human Powered Vehicles (HPVs)
Students design and build human-powered vehicles for an endurance race in Maryborough in November.
With some teams cycling almost 900km in 24 hours, these events can see advanced materials used in construction. But beyond the cutting-edge technology, the opportunity to compete on the famous lakeside circuit brings teams back year after year.
Energy Efficient Vehicles (EEVs)
Secondary students design and build vehicles powered by sustainable energy such as hybrid, solar, low-emission and other alternative fuel vehicles for a 24-hour endurance race.
This technically challenging category encourages innovative drive systems, from simple to complex, aiming for an “Energy Breakthrough.” It’s ideal for VCAL and Trade Training students interested in automotive systems and alternative fuels.
Pushcarts
Primary school students connect with their community to collaboratively build and race pushcarts.
The machines used to compete are based on the humble billy cart, and are pushed energetically through an obstacle course, sprint and circuit events at Maryborough in November.
TRYathlon (HPVs)
Students design and build human-powered vehicles for all round assessment in Maryborough in November.
Using the same design requirements as for Human Powered Vehicles (HPVs) teams compete through Time Trials, an Obstacle Rally, and an 8-Hour Endurance Trial. This is the most widely assessed category at the Energy Breakthrough.
Robotics
Students use creativity, innovation, and teamwork to program robots for mission-based problem-solving.
This Australian event is part of the Sphero Global Challenge, offering a pathway to the World Championships. It develops computational thinking, engineering, and programming skills for students of all levels in an engaging undercover adventure.
“Through creativity, collaboration and active learning programs, great things are possible”
GET SOCIAL WITH US
Aley loves lending almost as much as she loves EBT!
We love working with the @communitybankavocamaryborough team, proud supporters of Energy Breakthrough and our official volunteer sponsor.
Aley is an Energy Breakthrough fanatic and part of their local lending team, sharing knowledge and friendly advice to help you achieve your goals. She’s available for a chat in person, over the phone or via video, whatever suits you best. Visit the branch at Maryborough or call 5461 4384 to get started.
Reach out to Aley and the team today, they’re here to help!
At Energy Breakthrough, we know teamwork keeps everyone safe - on the track and on the road.
Let’s all do our part to keep kids safe.
Slow down at school crossings, give way when the flags are up, wait for everyone to cross, and park safely before letting kids out.
Find out more: transport.vic.gov.au/schoolcrossings
Couldn`t have said it much better ourselves!
Did you know that the Energy Breakthrough has many famous alumni, including Formula One star Oscar Piastri, professional cyclist Chris Hamilton, AFL player Hugo Ralphsmith, 2018 Commonwealth Games Road Race Champion Steele Von Hoff, as well as recent 2025 AFL Grand Final winner Kai Lohmann?
Great to have Kai on hand today to launch our new partnership with Honda Australia!
HONDA 🤝 ENERGY BREAKTHROUGH
For over 30 years, Energy Breakthrough has been about building more than just vehicles - it’s about building skills, confidence, and community.
Honda Australia`s partnership provides vital support allows us to unite schools and volunteers in a shared mission of innovation. Their commitment to engineering and future mobility makes them the perfect partner to help us empower these incredible students.
🚀 POWERING THE NEXT GEN 🚀
The Energy Breakthrough is proud to announce a two-year partnership with @hondaaustralia 🤝
Together, we`re ready to fuel young minds shaping Australia’s future 🔧🌍
🔧 Pit Requests are now open! 🔧
💻Team Managers have until Friday Sept 19 (end of Term 3) to submit their details via the https://my.eb.org.au portal.
Come and join the Energy Breakthrough Volunteer army - proudly backed by the @communitybankavocamaryborough - and help make the event a huge success for thousands of students from across Victoria and beyond.
Expressions of interest are open right now via our website!
PROGRAM PARTNERS
The Energy Breakthrough is a joint initiative of the Country Education Partnership (CEP) and the Central Goldfields Shire Council (CGSC). Our presenting partner is Honda
Tax-deductible donations to support the Energy Breakthrough can now be made through the Country Education Partnership and the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR).
Find out more about making a donation to support the Energy Breakthrough >
PRESENTING PARTNER
JOINT PARTNER
JOINT PARTNER
SPONSORS AND SUPPORTERS
Acknowledgement of Country
The Energy Breakthrough acknowledges and extends appreciation for the Dja Dja Wurrung People, the Traditional Owners of the land where the Energy Breakthrough is held. We pay our respects to leaders and Elders past, present and emerging for they hold the memories, the traditions, the culture and the hopes of all Dja Dja Wurrung People. We express our gratitude in the sharing of this land, our sorrow for the personal, spiritual and cultural costs of that sharing and our hope that we may walk forward together in harmony and in the spirit of healing.