steelChallenge-20
steelChallenge is a game-based blended learning programme recognised by the global steel community as the preeminent competition to engage students and industry professionals to showcase their ability to make steel with the best quality at the lowest cost.
The Challenge
steelChallenge-20 took place in two rounds. The first, the Regional Championship, was held on 25 November 2025, beginning at 12:00 UTC. Participants had 24 hours to complete successful runs using our steelmaking simulators. The top five participants in each category advanced to the next round, the World Championship.
The Regional Championship attracts thousands of students who compete using our steelmaking simulators, striving to produce the required grade of steel at the lowest possible cost. Winners from each region and category advanced to the World Championship, held during the worldsteel Special General Meeting in Berlin—an exceptional opportunity for finalists to connect with the world’s leading steelmakers.
Now in its 20th edition, steelChallenge has become a flagship initiative in steel education, attracting over 30,000 participants since its inception. Through realistic steelmaking simulators, the competition offers a unique hands-on learning experience that bridges academic theory and industrial practice. Participants not only sharpen their technical skills but also gain global exposure, connect with industry leaders, and access opportunities that can shape their future careers.
Categories and Regions
Participants competed in one of three categories: University Student, Industry, or High School*. This structure reflects the broad educational and professional reach of steelChallenge—supporting both the development of future talent and the continued growth of professionals already working in the steel industry.
Each competitor was placed in one of five global regions:
Americas, Asia – West, Asia – North, Asia – East and Oceania, and Europe and Africa.
Winners in the University Student and Industry categories for each region qualified for the World Championship.
*This year, the High School category was introduced as part of a closed pilot initiative, developed in collaboration with a select group of companies that already have ties to technical schools. High school participants used a different version of the case study based only on the Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) simulator and competed only at the Regional Championship round. Learn more.
Schedule
1
Sep 1, 2025
Registration
Opened
Registration was performed at steeluniversity.org and granted access to simulations, 3D models, e-learning courses, video tutorials, forum and support desk.
2
7 Oct, 2025
Learning by Doing – EAF and Secondary Steelmaking Simulation Explained
1-hour steelTalks Masterclass delivered by Dr. Ing. Ronald O’Brien. The class was recorded and is available to re-watch.
3
3 Nov, 2025
Hydrogen-Based Direct Reduction: Challenges and Measures for Sustainable Steelmaking
1-hour steelTalks Masterclass delivered by Prof. Valentina Colla. Session recording available.
4
11 Nov, 2025
Digital and Green Transformation of Steelmaking – Status and Prospects
1-hour steelTalks Masterclass delivered by Dr. Thorsten Hauck. Session recording available.
5
Nov 25, 2025
Regional
Championship
Participants had 24 hours to record successful runs of the chosen steelmaking simulators.
6
Apr, 2026
World
Championship
There were 10 qualifiers for the World Championship to be held in Berlin. The qualifiers included the student and industry winners in each region.
The masterclass schedule may change without notice. Updates will be shared on our website, social media, and by email.
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steelChallenge-20 is generously sponsored by the following companies:
