This year’s MTA Technology, Design and Innovation (TDI) challenge attracted a record number of entrants, with 23 finalists presenting their projects to a panel of 13 judges.
The 2024 TDI Challenge gave students aged 14-19 the opportunity to showcase their creativity and innovation.
Participants were invited to submit a design for a new product or concept and a two-minute video demonstrating its application and benefits. Finalists were chosen from the video entries submitted by the end of May 2024 and from four live semi-finals held at London Design & Engineering UTC, Silverstone UTC, WMG Academy for Young Engineers and Norfolk UTC. The finalists were invited to present their ideas in detail Mazak’s facility in Worcester.
As well as the support from Mazak, the 2024 TDI Challenge was sponsored by the Gene Haas Foundation, Vision West Nottinghamshire College, and Imagineering.
Andrew Ward, representing the Gene Haas Foundation and serving as one of the judges, emphasised the significance of such events for the future of engineering. "This type of challenge is crucial for our sector. These young talents are the future of engineering, and we must nurture their potential as they will soon be changing the world," said Ward.
Sami Ortiz, the MTA’s Technology & Skills Manager remarked, "It is fantastic to see so many students and teachers from all over the UK engaged in the manufacturing and technology sector. This year's competition is our biggest yet, showcasing projects in robotics, software, machinery, and more. It’s the perfect occasion to witness the future of our industry."
The TDI Challenge not only celebrates student creativity but also highlights the importance of industry and education collaboration in addressing future challenges and opportunities. This year's event also features former TDI Challenge winners from 2022 and 2023, who have returned as judges, sharing their inspiring journeys and the impact the challenge had on their careers.
James Selka, CEO of MTA, expressed his enthusiasm for the event's growth and impact. "The TDI Challenge is not only growing, it is thriving! I extend my heartfelt thanks to Sami Ortiz and our sponsors for their unwavering support. This event exemplifies how the industry can come together to shape the future of the manufacturing sector. Despite the rapid growth of the UK industry, there is a concerning decline in the number of young engineers. They are our future, and having some of the biggest names in the industry judge their projects is an honour for both MTA and the students."
The winners of the TDI Challenge 2024 are:
1ST PLACE: INDIGO WERNICK
Project: Product design to help people with dyspraxia
School/College: Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Bro Edern
Prize: £400 for student - £1000 for School/College
Indigo expressed that her project required immense time and dedication. Her motivation for entering the competition was deeply personal, as she suffers from dyspraxia and believes her project can aid others with similar disabilities. She chose the TDI Challenge inspired by friends who participated last year. She was utterly astonished to learn she had won.
2ND PLACE: NITHIPHAT TANGPRASERT (BILL)
Project: Sign language translation device
School/College: Charterhouse
Prize: £300 for student - £800 for School/College
Bill attributed his victory to luck. He aims to further develop his project using the judges' feedback and even mentioned the possibility of re-entering next year to showcase his progress.
3RD PLACE: AMAYA LUNAVAT
Project: Cooking Oil and Wastewater Separator
School/College: North London Collegiate School
Prize: £200 for student - £400 for School/College
Amaya's favourite part of the day was exploring other students' projects and exchanging ideas with like-minded individuals about the future of engineering. Her primary goal was to enjoy the experience, with winning being an added bonus.
GROUP CATEGORY WINNER:
Project: PI 5
School/College: WMG Coventry
Students Daniel Hill, Hadi Dhoomun, Jacob Hallworth, Bethan Davies, William Cattell
Prize: £400 for students, £400 for school/college
Photo: Indigo Wernick won first prize for her product design project to help people with dyspraxia
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