4 minute read - 16th July 2024
Record-breaking TDI Challenge 2024 inspires the next generation of engineers
The Manufacturing Technologies Association (MTA) has delivered what it says is the most successful Technology, Design, and Innovation (TDI) Challenge to date. Organised by technology & skills manager, Sami Ortiz, the 2024 event has grown larger than ever, featuring over 23 finalists presenting their innovative projects to a panel of 13 judges.
The 2024 TDI Challenge is open to students aged 14-19, with participants 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 at the judging event, where the winners were announced. This year’s TDI Challenge was hosted by Yamazaki Mazak at its facility in Worcester. Mazak provided participants with a tour of their factory, further igniting the passion of these young innovators.
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 featured former TDI Challenge winners from 2022 and 2023, who returned as judges, sharing their inspiring journeys and the impact the challenge had on their careers.
The Manufacturing Technologies Association has delivered the most successful Technology, Design, and Innovation Challenge to date / Picture: Karla Gowlett
The 2024 TDI Challenge is 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.
James Selka, CEO of MTA, added: “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.”
Sami Ortiz, technology & skills manager at the MTA, said: “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.”
TDI Challenge 2024 Winners
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.
1st Place: Indigo Wernick / Picture: Karla Gowlett
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.
2nd Place: Nithiphat Tangprasert / Picture: Karla Gowlett
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.
3rd Place: Amaya Lunavat / Picture: Karla Gowlett
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
Group Category Winner: PI5 / Picture: Karla Gowlett
The TDI Challenge exists to help teachers and lecturers promote the extraordinary work completed by their Design and Technology (D&T) and Engineering students, celebrating the creativity and innovation within the curriculum.
