International Material Selection Challenge
Welcome to the Ansys International Material Selection Challenge, an educational competition in which students from around the world come together to showcase innovative applications of materials and simulation.
This is a unique opportunity for aspiring engineers, scientists, and designers to implement classroom knowledge in a friendly, internationally diverse environment. Compete, learn, and engage with a global community of students while solving real-world challenges.
Important Update: The competition timeline has shifted—launching in September 2025.
For any questions in the meantime, feel free to contact us at materialselectionchallenge@ansys.com.
Who is Eligible to Participate?
The competition is open for university-level students who use Ansys Granta EduPack in their courses. You can participate individually or in groups (maximum of three people). To participate in this challenge, you must propose a project in which material selection is the decisive factor in its development. Each team must be mentored by a faculty member who guides the students through the process and submits the required documents. There is a limit of two projects per faculty member, and different students must be involved in each project.
DATE | DELIVERY |
Sept 1st 2025 | Abstract submission open (300 words maximum) |
Dec 19th 2025 | Abstract submission deadline (300 words maximum) |
Jan 16th 2026 | Successful abstracts announced |
Mar 2nd 2026 | Final project submission deadline (Word document and PowerPoint slides using the provided templates) |
Mar 30th 2026 | Finalists announced |
May 27th 2026 | Final: presentations, jury decision, and award ceremony at Moncloa Campus of the Technical University of Madrid. |
Competition Structure
The Ansys International Material Selection Challenge is organized into three progressive rounds. Each stage evaluates different aspects of participants’ skills—from problem definition and conceptual design to technical execution and final presentation.
- Round 1: Abstract Submission – Participants submit a brief summary of their proposed project.
- Round 2: Project Submission – Selected teams develop and submit a complete project package.
- Round 3: Final Presentations – Finalists present their projects to a panel of academic and industry judges.
All submissions will be evaluated based on the same core criteria: originality, technical depth, practical relevance, and effective use of Ansys Granta EduPack. Additional simulation tools are optional but may be considered a bonus during judging.
Round 1: Abstract Submission
Deadline to submit abstract: December 19th, 2025
Participants submit a 300-word abstract describing their proposed Material Selection Challenge in the first round. The jury will evaluate abstracts based on the following criteria:
- Originality of the proposed problem
- Breadth of tools from Ansys Granta EduPack used (e.g., charts, limit and tree stages, Eco Audit, Synthesizer, etc.)
- Complexity of calculations anticipated
- Authenticity to real-world material selection problems
- Use of simulation tools to support material choices
- Academic level of the students
Example project ideas include substituting materials in existing products for improved environmental or economic performance or revisiting traditional material problems using modern simulation techniques.
A supervising faculty member must submit abstracts on behalf of the student team to materialselectionchallenge@ansys.com by the deadline.
All applicants will be notified of their selection status by January 16th, 2026.
Round 2: Project Submission
Deadline to submit final project due by March 2nd, 2026.
Teams selected in Round 1 will develop their full project submission, including:
- A written document (max 4 pages) describing the challenge and methodology
- An appendix (max 3 pages) with relevant calculations and data
- A presentation (max 5 slides) summarizing the project
Important: Projects must use the official templates provided. Submissions that do not follow the required format, including font, layout, and file types, will not be accepted.
Final project documents must be submitted by the supervising faculty member on behalf of the student team to materialselectionchallenge@ansys.com by the deadline.
Judging will follow the same criteria as Round 1. Results will be announced by March 30th, 2026.
Round 3: Final Presentations
Live presentations on May 27th, 2026 – hybrid format.
Finalists will present their projects on May 27th, 2026, in a hybrid format—either in person at the International Excellence Campus (UCM-UPM) in Madrid, or virtually via live video conference.
Each team will have up to 10 minutes to present their project using only the PowerPoint slides submitted in Round 2. No new materials will be accepted.
The final judging panel, made up of university faculty and Ansys Academic experts, will evaluate projects based on:
- Completeness – How well the project meets its goals and responds to challenges
- Tool Mastery – Depth and breadth of Ansys Granta EduPack usage
- Originality – Innovation in approach, methods, and use of tools
- Practical Applicability – Relevance of the solution to real-world materials selection
- Depth of Analysis – Clarity and precision given team size and academic level
- Student Motivation – Creativity, resourcefulness, and application of course knowledge
Awards
All finalists will receive a Certificate of Participation and may be eligible to have their work published on the Ansys Education Resources webpage. They will also be invited to an exclusive career-focused session exploring opportunities at Ansys, including career support resources.
Additional prizes may be awarded to the top three projects presented on May 27th. While final details are still being confirmed, here are previous years’ prizes:
