steelChallenge-20 High School Pilot – Hadeed Experience

steeluniversity is pleased to share the outcomes of the steelChallenge-20 High School Pilot, delivered in partnership with the Saudi Iron & Steel Company (Hadeed). This pilot marks the first official participation of high school students in steelChallenge, expanding the initiative’s reach and creating meaningful opportunities for younger learners to engage with steelmaking through a competitive and educational experience.

As part of this collaboration, 265 high school students from seven schools registered to participate through Hadeed’s partnership. The majority of participating learners were based in Jubail Industrial City, Saudi Arabia, highlighting Hadeed’s strong commitment to supporting the development of early STEM talent in the region.

The competition took place over 24 hours on 2 and 3 December 2025. Students competed using steeluniversity’s Electric Arc Furnace Simulator, working to produce a steel grade that met defined technical requirements, achieved the lowest possible cost per tonne, and considered basic carbon-emission constraints. This experience introduced participants to real-world industrial decision-making by balancing technical specifications, cost efficiency, and environmental considerations within a practical and accessible simulation environment.

The Saudi Iron & Steel Company (Hadeed) coordinated the pilot by engaging Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu (RCJY) schools, delivering orientation sessions, and ensuring full technical readiness. Students participated individually, supported by RCJY teachers and Hadeed facilitators who guided them throughout the registration and simulation process.

Throughout the competition window, students demonstrated strong curiosity, teamwork, and growing confidence in applying classroom knowledge to a realistic industrial challenge.

Jorge Muract, Director at steeluniversity, said: “Engaging younger generations in steelmaking is essential to building the industry’s future talent pipeline. The enthusiasm and dedication demonstrated by students in this pilot reflect the significant potential of early technical education. In the Middle East, initiatives such as this—developed in close partnership with Hadeed—play a vital role in strengthening the region’s emerging talent ecosystem and supporting long-term industrial growth.”

Mohammed Aiyad Al Harbi, Manager of Talent Development at the Saudi Iron & Steel Company (Hadeed), commented: “We are proud to pioneer this initiative in Saudi Arabia. By introducing high school students to steelmaking through an interactive and competitive platform, we aim to inspire future engineers and innovators who will contribute to the Kingdom’s industrial development.”

Abdulaziz AlDosry, Al-Dhafi Secondary School student, reflected: “The competition was very enjoyable and challenging, especially learning how to create an optimal steel composition at a low cost and understanding which elements oxidize. It was a great experience, and I learned a lot.”

Results

High School Category (Hadeed – Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu)

 
This pilot, delivered in collaboration with Hadeed, represents an important step in expanding steelChallenge to engage high school learners globally. The successful implementation of these partner-based pilots provides valuable insights that will support the structured integration of a dedicated high school category in future editions of steelChallenge.

steeluniversity extends its sincere appreciation to the Saudi Iron & Steel Company (Hadeed) for its leadership, collaboration, and commitment in supporting the first edition of the High School Pilot.

More information about the steelChallenge-20 High School Pilot is available at https://steeluniversity.org/steelchallenge-20/steelchallenge-for-high-schools-pilot/

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Notes

• steeluniversity is the education and training programme of the World Steel Association, delivering education and training to current and future employees of steel companies and related businesses.
• The World Steel Association (worldsteel) is one of the largest and most dynamic industry associations in the world, with members in every major steel-producing country. worldsteel represents steel producers, national and regional steel industry associations, and steel research institutes. Members represent around 85% of global steel production.
• The Saudi Iron & Steel Company (Hadeed) is a leading steel producer in Saudi Arabia, committed to advancing industrial excellence and supporting talent development initiatives aligned with Saudi Vision 2030.