Hanzehogeschool Groningen and Fontys are the winners of the finals of the seventh Self Driving Challenge. Seven student teams competed for the SDC cup in two categories. Hanzehogeschool Groningen won in the closed category, while Fontys took the win in the open category.
The Self Driving Challenge is a competition organised by the RDW to gain knowledge about the complexity of autonomous vehicles and how these vehicles make decisions. The RDW, responsible for, among other things, approving cars for use on public roads, is preparing for the rise of self-driving cars.
Open category
A total of 11 teams participated in the Self Driving Challenge 2025. They were divided between the open and closed categories. In the open category, teams are given a lot of freedom and responsibility. They build their own vehicle, having access to all hardware within the specifications. This allows them to modify and extend sensors and processing hardware. However, teams do have to comply with safety regulations.
Vehicle safety requirements are similar to the European "L7e" vehicle category. This includes size and power restrictions. Vehicles must also be electrically powered and have sufficient and safe systems to stop the vehicle remotely.
Closed category
In addition, the Self Driving Challenge features the closed category, which the RDW describes as the classic and most accessible way to participate in the challenge. Here, the RDW provides go-karts, which participating teams can use to evaluate their models. Teams are supplied with a package consisting of sample sensors and an interchangeable mini-computer. This allows teams to compete against each other on an equal and user-friendly platform.
The karts available to teams are equipped with three RGB cameras and a 360-degree LiDAR on the front. An Intel NUC is also built in, allowing students to process incoming sensor data and transmit control value to the kart's electric motor, steering wheel and braking system. Up to six teams can compete in the closed category in 2025.
The Self Driving Challenge takes place on a track in Lelystad. Teams can also test their vehicles and models on this course.
Eleven teams
Eleven teams entered the competition this year. Four of the teams participated in the closed category, while seven took part in the open category. They are:
- University of the North
- NHL Stenden
- Hanze University of Applied Sciences Groningen
- Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences
- The Hague University of Applied Sciences
- Arnhem Nijmegen University of Applied Sciences
- Fontys
- Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences
- Saxion & University of Twente
Winners
The course proved challenging for the teams; vehicles stranded at various places on the course. Only Hanzehogeschool and Fontys both managed to complete a clear round in their category. Hanzehogeschool Groningen thus took the win in the closed category, while Fontys walked away with the win in the open category.
The winners from both categories were awarded a trophy and an 'experience' at NXP on the Hightech Campus in Eindhoven. Number two and three both went home with a medal.
