Matic BOBNAR

University of Ljubljana
Regional Champion, Europe and Africa / Slovenia

“After three years I got my bachelor’s degree in materials engineering, but because of my curiosity and desire to get in-depth knowledge about metallurgy, I enrolled in a master’s programme called metallurgy and materials engineering. I am really happy to participate in the World Steel Challenge Championship, where I will proudly represent my faculty and my university”.

João Pedro TABOSA

Universidade Federal do Ceará
Regional Champion, Americas / Brazil

“Since my first period in college, I was presented with the steelChallenge competition. At that time, I did not pay much attention to it because I believed it was too early for me to take full advantage of the opportunities it could provide.

However, in the beginning of November of last year, with the help of my teacher Janaína, the people from ArcelorMittal Pecém, and many other students, including Daniel Aquer and Victor Lima, I managed to achieve first place in America for the Regional steelChallenge-18 in the student category.”

Srinivasan DHANARAJ

Indian Institute of Technology, Hyderabad
Regional Champion, Asia – West / India

Cheng Jun HAN (城俊韩)

Tangshan Vocational and Technical College of Science and Technology
Regional Champion, Asia – North / China

“Participating in the simulated steelmaking competition made me realise the importance of teamwork. In the competition, I studied, discussed and solved problems with my teammates and won first place in North Asia. This achievement is not only my personal honour, but also the result of our team’s joint efforts.”

“I would like to thank my school, department heads, teachers and classmates. It is your strong cultivation and support that makes me continue to move forward and grow on the road of life.”

Ji Hyeok LEE

Dong-A University
Regional Champion, Asia – East and Oceania / South Korea

Katie ABRAHAM

Tata Steel
Regional Champion, Europe and Africa / UK

“I have taken part in steelChallenge a few times over the past few years, partly because of my natural love of problem-solving and also with the aim of improving my knowledge of the steelmaking process. Having a background in mathematics, it has been brilliant to learn about the mathematical models and theory behind the steelmaking process.”

“I have enjoyed taking part in steelChallenge again this year and have gained a lot of knowledge that I can use in my role in the future. I would recommend anyone in the steel industry to enter this event, even if you are not in a typical engineering/metallurgical role, as the subject matter is fascinating and the knowledge gained is invaluable.”

Caio ANDRADE

ArcelorMittal Pecém
Regional Champion, Americas / Brazil

“My journey with the steelChallenge began in 2022 when a coordinator invited me to take part in the 17th edition. I knew about the challenge, but I had never taken part before. Although I was unfamiliar with the simulators, I quickly adapted through practice. The first attempt proved difficult due to a different type of steel and as a result I did not complete the challenge. I promised myself to do better in 2023/24.”

“Motivated for the 18th challenge, intensive training and support from ArcelorMittal fuelled my determination. Despite the intense 24-hour challenge, my cost was the best in the Americas, a significant achievement. Securing first place in the results brought immense joy and fulfilled the promise I had made to myself.”

Mihir MANDAL

Tata Steel Limited
Regional Champion, Asia – West / India

“Developing problem-solving skills in this combined simulation (EAF + secondary steelmaking) will prepare me to tackle real-world issues in my future career. The EAF simulation and challenges are key arenas where innovation meets practical application. The steelmaking challenges have helped me understand how to better use an electric arc furnace to produce steel”.

Wei Li BU (伟利部)

HanSteel HBIS Group Co. ,Ltd
Regional Champion, Asia – North / China

“steeluniversity has provided us with a lot of training material on metallurgical processes. Through the online platform, I not only learned a lot of metallurgical professional knowledge, but also received a lot of good guidance and reference in metallurgical automation.”

“I am honoured to participate in this highly influential competition in the world. Through this competition, I have met many outstanding talents in the steel industry and have the opportunity to learn from them. In my future work, I will work harder and contribute my efforts to the industry”

Jinho KANG

Independent Consultant
Regional Champion, Asia – East and Oceania / Korea, South

“I have participated in the steelChallenge several times. steelChallenge provides an opportunity to delve deep into EAF and secondary steelmaking. It has helped me develop critical thinking and problem solving skills.”