worldsteel announces steelChallenge-20 World Championship Finalists

The Regional Championship of steelChallenge-20 took place online for 24 hours on 25 November 2025, attracting 2,438 participants worldwide — 1,159 university students, 755 industry professionals, and, for the first time, 524 high school learners through the new High School category pilot. Participants used steeluniversity’ s simulators to produce the best steel at the lowest cost while meeting carbon-footprint requirements. worldsteel is pleased to announce the finalists for the steelChallenge-20 World Championship Finals, taking place in April 2026 in Berlin, Germany.

To complete this year’s challenge, participants were tasked with producing a steel grade that met strict technical requirements, optimised cost per tonne, and adhered to carbon-emission thresholds. 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 organisations who helped organise 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 optimise 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.

steelChallenge-20 is proudly supported by leading companies and associations committed to advancing innovation, education, and sustainability across the global steel sector. We extend our sincere gratitude to our sponsors for their valuable support.

More information about steelChallenge-20 is available at https://steeluniversity.org/steelchallenge-20

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Notes to Editors:

• steeluniversity is worldsteel’s education and training programme, delivering education and training to current and future employees of steel companies and related businesses.
• steelChallenge-20 is sponsored at the ‘Steel’ level by Danieli, Hadeed Saudi Iron & Steel Co., HBIS Group, POSCO, and TATA Steel. Gerdau, JSW, Qatar Steel Company and UNESID are ‘Gold’ level sponsors. Emirates Steel (EMSTEEL), Korean Iron & Steel Association (KOSA), and Ternium are ‘Silver’ level sponsors. ArcelorMittal, JFE Steel Co., Hyundai Steel Company, and Tenaris are ‘Bronze’ level sponsors.
• worldsteel is one of the largest and most dynamic industry associations in the world, with members in every major steel-producing country. worldsteel represents steel producers, national and regional steel industry associations, and steel research institutes. Members represent around 85% of global steel production.