steelChallenge-21

steelChallenge is a game-based blended learning programme recognised by the global steel community as the pre-eminent competition for students and industry professionals to test their steelmaking skills, produce high-quality steel at the lowest cost, and learn through realistic simulation. For steelChallenge-21, high school students can also take part through a dedicated category designed for secondary school learners.

Note: This is the course page for steelChallenge-21. For full competition details, eligibility, prizes and updates, please visit the steelChallenge-21 page.

Registration opens on 1 September 2026.

Learning & certificates

University Student & Industry categories

• Access to the Electric Arc Furnace and Secondary Steelmaking courses and simulators.
• Online learning, 3D interactive models and simulation-based practice.
• Course completion certificates awarded upon successful completion of each course.
• A steelChallenge-21 participation certificate awarded upon completing at least one successful run of the competition simulation.

High School category

• Access to the Electric Arc Furnace course and simulator.
• A learning experience designed to introduce secondary school students to steelmaking, technology, sustainability and industrial decision-making.
• Course completion certificate awarded upon successful completion of the Electric Arc Furnace course.
• A steelChallenge-21 participation certificate awarded upon completing at least one successful run of the competition simulation.

Competition format

• Regional Championship — online from 12:00 UTC on 17 November 2026 for 24 hours.
• University Student & Industry: competitors use the combined Electric Arc Furnace + Secondary Steelmaking simulation to produce the specified steel grade at the lowest cost. The winner in each category from each of the five competition regions qualifies for the World Championship.
• High School: students compete in their own dedicated category using the Electric Arc Furnace simulator. Students may participate individually or in teams of up to two students from the same academic institution. The High School competition concludes at the Regional Championship.
• World Championship — for qualifying University Student and Industry Regional Champions, taking place in Brussels in April 2027. The competition will be held on 19 April 2027, with related activities from 18–20 April.

Resources

• Competition rules — University Student & Industry
• Competition rules — High School
• High School category information
• Communication Kit & brochures