The worldsteel steelChallenge-19, an international competition for the steel industry, concluded its Regional Championship on November 26, 2024, with a remarkable increase in participation. This year, 2,624 participants from over 120 companies and 150 academic institutions across 34 countries took part, representing a nearly 60% increase compared to the previous year. The competition utilized steeluniversity’s advanced steelmaking simulator, challenging participants to produce the best steel at the lowest cost while meeting carbon footprint criteria. The event's impressive turnout underscores the steel industry's dedication to building a more resilient and sustainable future.
Jorge Muract, Director at steeluniversity, expressed his enthusiasm about the growth of the challenge, emphasizing the role of the competition in shaping the future of steel production. "steelChallenge provides a dynamic educational experience that engages students and professionals alike in the art of steelmaking, while also driving the industry's digital transformation. By challenging participants to meet carbon footprint requirements, we are reinforcing our commitment to sustainability," said Muract. This year’s competition included a focus on sustainability, aligning with the industry's shift toward greener practices and innovation.
The steelChallenge-19 competition featured two main categories: "Industry" and "Student." In both categories, participants were tasked with producing a grade of steel that met specific technical requirements, achieved the lowest cost per metric ton, and adhered to carbon footprint standards. The simulation used steeluniversity’s electric arc furnace and secondary steelmaking simulators in a combined run. The steel grade used in the challenge was based on a case study designed specifically for this year’s edition, offering participants a real-world scenario to solve.
The finalists in each category from the five regions will have the opportunity to compete in the World Championship scheduled for April 2025. These winners will represent their regions on the global stage, showcasing their expertise in steelmaking. In addition, all participants who successfully completed a run of the integrated simulator were awarded a certificate of accomplishment, recognizing their skills and commitment to learning. This inclusive approach ensures that participants gain valuable experience regardless of whether they qualify for the World Championship.
SteelChallenge-19 also featured steelTalks masterclasses, where industry experts shared their knowledge and insights. These masterclasses provided participants with the opportunity to deepen their understanding of steel production, technology, and sustainability practices. By offering e-learning lessons, interactive models, and practice simulators, the competition ensured that participants had access to cutting-edge resources to enhance their skills in steelmaking. The interactive nature of the challenge provided a unique platform for both students and professionals to learn, grow, and innovate in the steel industry.
This year’s steelChallenge is proudly supported by 14 leading companies and associations, reflecting the steel industry’s commitment to fostering innovation, education, and sustainability. These sponsors have played a vital role in supporting the event and its educational initiatives, helping to drive forward the digital transformation of steel production. The ongoing support from these partners ensures that steelChallenge remains a key platform for industry professionals and students alike to showcase their talent and contribute to the future of steelmaking.
The finalists in the Industry and Student categories for steelChallenge-19 represent the diverse global talent emerging within the steel sector. In the Industry category, the finalists are:
• Carlos Arroyo, Acerinox S.A. (Europe and Africa)
• Leandro Rodrigues Ribeiro, ArcelorMittal (Americas)
• Amer Abdelkader Mohamed Amer, EMSTEEL (Asia – West)
• Xiao Wu (潇吴), HBIS (Asia – North)
• Boseong Park (박보성), POSCO (Asia – East and Oceania)
In the Student category, the finalists are:
• Ožbej Modrijan, University of Ljubljana (Europe and Africa)
• Daniel Aquer, Universidade Federal do Ceará (Americas)
• Vivek Soren, Shavak Nanavati Technical Institute (Asia – West)
• Lu Hezhong (贺忠 卢), Tangshan Vocational College of Science and Technology (Asia – North)
• Junho Lee (이준호), Jeonbuk National University (Asia – East and Oceania)
The 2025 World Championship, set to take place in April, will be the culmination of months of hard work and preparation. With a focus on sustainability, innovation, and the digital transformation of steelmaking, steelChallenge-19 is shaping the future of the steel industry. It provides a unique opportunity for professionals and students to engage with the evolving challenges and opportunities in steel production, ensuring that the next generation of steelmakers is equipped with the knowledge and tools to lead the industry into a sustainable future.
