TDI Challenge: Future engineers showcase projects in biggest finals day yet

The Manufacturing Technologies Association (MTA) held its biggest finals day yet for the Technology, Design and Innovation (TDI) Challenge 2025. Organised by the MTA, this year’s event has grown larger than ever, featuring over 20 finalists presenting their innovative projects to an esteemed panel of nine judges.

The 2025 TDI Challenge was, once again, hosted at Yamazaki Mazak at its state-of-the-art European headquarters in Worcester. Mazak, a major manufacturer in the UK machine tool sector, provided participants with an exclusive tour of its factory and European Technology Centre, showcasing UK-based manufacturing and opportunities to the next generation of engineers.

Generous sponsored of the event arrived courtesy of the Gene Haas Foundation, Vision West Nottinghamshire College and Imagineering. Andrew Ward, representing the Gene Haas Foundation and serving as one of the judges, said: “This is our second full year sponsoring the TDI challenge and we’re absolutely delighted to see so many competitors. We offer our heartfelt congratulations to the winners. The TDI Challenge is an opportunity to help young people develop their engineering, design and technology skills. On behalf of the Gene Haas foundation, we very much look forward to participating in future events”.

James Selka, CEO of the MTA, expressed his enthusiasm for the event’s growth and impact: “The TDI Challenge is not only growing, it’s thriving. I extend my thanks to the MTA team and our sponsors for their unwavering support. This event exemplifies how the industry can come together to shape the future of the manufacturing sector. Despite the rapid growth of UK industry, there’s a concerning decline in the number of young engineers. They are our future and having some of the biggest names in the industry judge their projects is an honour for both the MTA and the students.”

The TDI Challenge 2025 was open to students aged 14-19, providing a unique opportunity to showcase their creativity and innovation. Participants were invited to submit a design for a new product or concept, along with a two-minute video demonstrating its application and benefits. Finalists were chosen from the video entries submitted by the end of May 2025 and from two live regional events held at UTC Derby Pride Park and Silverstone UTC. The finalists were invited to present their ideas in detail at the finals event, where the winners were announced.

The MTA’s Education & Skills Manager, Danny Reed said: “I’m thrilled to see so many students, teachers and parents from all over the UK engaged in the TDI Challenge and supporting the manufacturing and technology sector. This year’s competition showcased the biggest number of entries we’ve ever seen and it’s encouraging to see so many young engineers excited by our ever-growing sector. The TDI Challenge not only showcases student creativity but also emphasises the vital role of collaboration between industry and education in tackling future challenges and opportunities. The 2025 event welcomed back former winners from 2023 and 2024, serving as judges, who shared their inspiring experiences and the influence the TDI Challenge has had on their career paths.”

Indigo Wernick from Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Bro Edern – a former TDI Challenge winner from 2024 – returned to join the judging panel for this year’s competition. He said: “Judging a competition that means the world to me as a previous winner was such an incredible experience. Congratulations to all the finalists and winners. It’s brilliant to witness such talent and innovation among our generation.”

The winners of the TDI Challenge 2025 are:

Key Stage 4

Winner: Nia Wood

Project: Signal Cycle

School/college: Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Bro Edern

Prize: £500 for student – £1000 for school/college

 

Runner-up: Carys Hern

Project: SmartSort

School/college: Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Bro Edern

Prize: £500 for student – £900 for school/college

 

Third place: Connie Lloyd

Project: Sensory Cube

School/college: UTC Pride Park Derby

Prize: £300 for student – £800 for school/college

 

Key Stage 5

Winner: Pacha Pritchard

Project: Time & Tide

School/college: Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Bro Edern

Prize: £500 for student – £1000 for school/college

 

Runner-up: Jack Lockyer

Project: Smart Cones

School/college: Nottingham High School

Prize: £400 for student – £900 for school/college

 

Third place: Daniel Dzaptar

Project: Hub Pump

School/college: Forth Valley College

Prize: £300 for student – £800 for school/college