Mazak hosts record-breaking student design challenge

The finalists of the 2024 TDI Challenge, which was held on 10 July at Mazak’s European Manufacturing Plant in Worcester

Yamazaki Mazak UK Ltd recently hosted the most successful Technology Design and Innovation (TDI) Challenge yet, which is organised by the Manufacturing Technologies Association (MTA) to help inspire the next generation of engineers.

The TDI Challenge celebrates student creativity and highlights the importance of industry and education collaboration in addressing future challenges and opportunities. Mazak is committed to nurturing the next generation of engineers not only through its comprehensive apprenticeship scheme but also through partnership initiatives like the TDI Challenge.

This year’s competition, held at Mazak’s European Manufacturing Plant in Worcester, saw 23 finalists aged 14 to 19 present their design concepts for new products, demonstrating their application and benefits to an expert panel of 13 judges. The event provided a unique platform for students to discuss their innovative ideas, showcase their engineering projects, and present their creative concepts to the judges, before receiving an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the manufacturing site.

Past winners Scarlett Ward (2022) and Bhavy Metakar (2023) returned as part of the judging panel, sharing their journeys and discussing the positive impact the TDI Challenge has had on their careers. Scarlett is currently developing her underwater laser alarm project, while Bhavy is working on a start-up inspired by his winning project.

At Mazak, the finalists presented their ideas in detail and, after much deliberation, discussions, and conversations, the judging panel was able to select the winners. In first place was Indigo Wernick, Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Bro Edern, for a product design aiding people with dyspraxia; in second place was Nithiphat Tangprasert (Bill), Charterhouse, for a sign language translation device; and in third place was Amaya Lunavat, North London Collegiate School, for a cooking oil and wastewater separator. Meanwhile, the Group category winner was Daniel Hill, Hadi Dhoomun, Jacob Hallworth, Bethan Davies and William Cattell from WMG Coventry, for their PI 5 project.

All finalists also received an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of Mazak’s European Manufacturing Plant and Technology Centre

Lawrence McCann, European Group Engineering Director at Yamazaki Mazak, said: “The MTA’s TDI Challenge bridges the gap between education and industry, promoting innovation, design skills, project management and marketing skills among students. We have hosted the finals on several occasions previously, but 2024 was certainly the most innovative and inspiring collection of ideas to date. I was particularly impressed with the commitment to finding solutions to both social and environmental challenges. I think it is fair to say that, judging by the ideas on display, the future of innovation here in the UK is in safe hands.”

Mazak is set to continue its commitment to the next generation of engineering talent by once again participating in National Manufacturing Day taking place on 26 September. The company will be opening its doors to anyone wishing to find out more about a career in manufacturing – from students and school leavers to more experienced workers looking to re-skill – and will be running a series of tours and networking opportunities with current Mazak apprentices and employees.

Potential visitors should register in advance and can do so at the website here.