INNOVATION SPRINT 2026
Green Circular Metals Challenge
Master and PhD students and recent graduates are invited to develop innovative solutions to real industrial challenges in circular materials, decarbonisation and future metallurgy.
Eligibility requirement
Completion of at least one mandatory learning activity is required and must be achieved before the application deadline. Proof of completion may be requested by the organisers.
WHO CAN APPLY
Student profile
We welcome Master and PhD students and recent graduates from disciplines including the following areas.
Material Science & Metallurgical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering, Automation & Control Systems
Industrial & Mining Engineering and Geosciences
Mechanical & Industrial Design
Electrical Engineering & Electronics
Data Management & AI Solutions
Analytical & Process Chemistry
Physics & Materials Characterization
Sustainability, Industrial Ecology & Circular Economy
THE CHALLENGES
Pick your challenge
Choose one of the three challenge areas below and develop an innovative solution within it.
01
Circular Materials & Resource Recovery
The metals industry generates large volumes of secondary raw materials — slags, dusts, process residues, tailings, scrap and end-of-life products — that can serve as valuable sources of metals, minerals and other materials. Develop a solution that increases their recovery, valorisation, circular use, or economic value.
Example areas: Slag valorisation · Dust & residue recovery · Scrap quality & recycling · Urban mining · Critical raw materials recovery · Industrial symbiosis · Circular business models
02
Carbon Management & Industrial Decarbonisation
The metals sector faces increasing pressure to decarbonise production and reduce its carbon footprint. Develop a solution that reduces greenhouse gas emissions, improves energy efficiency, or enables low-carbon production.
Example areas: Carbon capture, utilisation & storage (CCUS) · CO₂ mineralisation · Process optimisation · Energy integration · Low-carbon production routes · Life-cycle approaches
03
Future Metallurgy & Alternative Reductants
How can metal production be transformed through innovative processes, alternative reductants, and breakthrough technologies? Develop a solution built on alternative reductants, novel process technologies, or more sustainable production pathways.
Example areas: Hydrogen-based reduction · Biochar & biomass-derived reductants · Circular carbon sources · Alternative reducing agents · Process electrification · Hybrid metallurgical routes · Novel smelting & refining technologies
APPLIES TO ALL CHALLENGES
Cross-Cutting Dimension: Digitalisation, AI & Data-Driven Solutions
Participants are encouraged to integrate digital technologies and data-driven approaches into their proposed solutions, where relevant.
AI, sensing & modelling
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning · Advanced Sensing, Monitoring and Automation · Process Modelling and Digital Twins.
Data & decision-support
Data Analytics and Decision-Support Tools · Predictive and Optimisation Technologies, applied to improve efficiency, sustainability and resource recovery.
ELIGIBILITY
Mandatory learning activities
Complete at least one of the steeluniversity courses below before the application deadline to become eligible to apply.
Ready to take on the challenge?
Register, complete at least one mandatory course, and submit your application before the deadline.