Are the winning works of national competitions such as the Challenge Cup protected by patents?

Patent protection is the work itself, and it has nothing to do with whether you use it for competition or production.

You don't have to count on anyone to help you solve the problem of patent application funds in the Challenge Cup.

Generally speaking, you can find the science and technology department of your school. If the school is the patentee, the school will pay your patent application fee, and if authorized, there will be an extra reward for the inventor.

The Challenge Cup itself has no relevant funds to apply for a patent and give you a bonus.