The World Steel Association (worldsteel) today announced the new World Champions of the 18th steelChallenge. Wei Li Bu from HBIS in China won in the industry category and Srinivasan Dhamaraj from the Indian Institute of Technology, Hyderabad in India won in the student category.

The World Championship of the 18th steelChallenge took place on 9 April 2024 in London, UK. The best players of the Regional Championship from the industry and student categories competed for the global title. The challenge was to produce wire rod, used to make steel cord for car tyre reinforcement, at the lowest cost using steeluniversity’s electric arc furnace and secondary steelmaking courses in a combined simulation. To reflect the steel industry’s commitment to reducing the carbon footprint of its operations, there were carbon footprint requirements for the steel grade.

Jorge Muract, Director, steeluniversity for worldsteel, said, “steelChallenge-18 embodies a transformative journey, one that transcends traditional boundaries to create a truly unique and enriching experience. It’s a platform where the convergence of digital innovation, environmental stewardship and social responsibility is reshaping the future of steelmaking. We would like to thank all our participants for joining us on this remarkable learning expedition. Your dedication, creativity and passion have not only elevated the steel industry, but also inspired countless others to join in the pursuit of excellence and sustainability.”

The 2024 World Champion in the student category, Srinivasan Dhamaraj said, “I am humbled to have won in the student category of the steelChallenge World Championship. Having won will hugely boost my chances of securing a great job when I’ve finished studying. I am looking forward to entering the steel industry and applying everything I’ve learnt.”

Wei Li Bu, the World Champion in the industry category for 2024, said, “It’s such an honour to have won the steelChallenge World Championship. It’s been very gratifying to have had the opportunity to test myself against other young industry professionals and to have come out on top. I look forward to returning to my company with my head held high. Thank you to steeluniversity for the opportunity.”

The Regional Champions receive the following prizes:

• Certificates for completing the electric arc furnace and secondary steelmaking courses
• Certificate for being Regional Champion
• €500
• Travel allowance to take part in the World Championship in London, UK
• iPad to run the steelmaking integrated simulator
• Recognition by worldsteel and steeluniversity
• Faculty advisors of the student champions also received a travel allowance to observe the World Championship in London, UK, and a steeluniversity certificate of appreciation.

Additionally, the World Champions receive the following prizes:

• €500
• World Champion certificate
• steelChallenge-18 trophy

All registered participants received access to the electric arc furnace and secondary steelmaking courses, including e-learning, 3D interactive models and simulators. Registered participants completing the courses received completion certificates. Also, participants successfully completing a simulation run during steelChallenge-18 received a competition certificate.

The World Championship Finalists were:

Table 1. Industry Category

Table 2. Student Category

Source from Worldsteel