The regional championship of steelChallenge-20 took place online for 24 hours. It attracted 2,438 participants worldwide – 1,159 university students, 755 industry professionals and 524 high school students. Participants used steeluniversity’s simulators to produce the best steel at the lowest cost while meeting carbon footprint requirements.
The combined EAF and secondary steelmaking simulation was based on a case study developed specifically for this edition.
All registered participants for steelChallenge-20 received permanent access to steeluniversity’s electric arc furnace and secondary steelmaking courses, including e-learning lessons, 3D models and practice simulators, supporting their progression toward industry-ready skills.
This edition also marked an important milestone with the introduction of the first high school category pilot, delivered in partnership with two organizations that helped organize and execute the pilot competitions in their regions. The pilot attracted 524 high school participants, demonstrating a growing interest in steelmaking education among younger learners. A separate announcement will present the full pilot results.
Jorge Muract, director at steeluniversity, said, “steelChallenge continues to grow as a key learning experience for the steel industry and its future professionals. Each edition strengthens our shared commitment to sustainability, innovation and the digital transformation of steelmaking. By challenging participants to optimize both cost and carbon emissions, we help prepare a workforce ready to shape the future of our industry.”
The first place winners in both the ‘Industry’ and ‘University Student’ categories from each of the five regions will be invited to compete in the World Championship in Berlin, in April 2026. Additionally, all participants who completed a successful run of the integrated simulator will receive a certificate of accomplishment.
Finalists for the Industry category include:
- Wojciech Skuza, Arcelor Mittal –Europe & Africa
- Marviane Souza, Arcelor Mittal –Americas/Brazil
- Balahanuman Naradals EMSTEEL – Asia – West/United Arab Emirates
- Yan Wang, HBIS Group – Asia-North/China
- Nahyun Kim, POSCO, Asia – East & Oceania/Korea South
- Finalists for University Student category include:
- Janez Cerkovnik, University of Ljubljana – Europe & Africa/Slovenia
- Victor Lima – Universidade Federal do Ceara –Americas/Brazil
- Muaz Alhaji, Amity University –Asia West/United Arab Emirates
- Ge Lei, Tangshan Vocational College of Science & Tehnology – Asia – North/China
- Jeong hoo Choi, Jeonbuk National University Asia – East/Korea, South
Published January 2026
