Emirates Global Aluminum, the UAE’s largest industrial company outside of oil and gas, has announced the winners of the EGA Aluminum Design and Innovation Challenge. Organized in partnership with the Emirates Schools Establishment (ESE) and the BMW Group, the competition aims to inspire and increase students’ interest in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
Hessa Ahmed Rasheed, Executive Director, School Development, UAE Schools Agency, and Abdulnasser Bin Kalban, Chief Executive Officer, EGA, honored the winning teams at a ceremony at EGA Al Taweelah in Abu Dhabi.
Rashid said: “The EGA Aluminum Design and Innovation Challenge is an important initiative that strengthens the collaborative efforts of EGA and UAE school institutions to encourage and develop students’ interest in STEM education and help prepare the future of our staff. A solid foundation: The institution continues to build bridges of collaboration and coordination with all partners in the public and private sectors, supporting students on their academic and practical journey by engaging them in a number of ground-breaking projects, qualifying them for the future.
20 finalists
Of the 105 team applications received in the UAE, 20 teams were shortlisted for the competition. Finalists in grades 9-12 were invited to use their STEM skills to creatively design an innovative project using aluminum in one of four challenge categories – Architecture, Green Solutions, Product Design and Sustainable Mobility.
The winning teams in each category are:
Jameela Bu Heired School in Architecture category
Al Ma’arif 2 Schools in the Green Solutions category
Al Maseera School of Product Design Category
Dubai National School – Twar in the sustainable transport category
student interest
“Achieving our national goals will require more young people to study and eventually pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics,” Karban said. The high number of applications for the ‘EGA Aluminum Design and Innovation Challenge’ demonstrates student interest in these subjects. Enter The high quality of the work gives me confidence that the next generation will reach new heights for our country. Congratulations to all the winners.”
The EGA Aluminum Design and Innovation Design Challenge is part of EGA’s Engineers of the Future programme, which introduces students in the UAE to practical applications in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics industries.
During the four-week course, the students are mentored by young EGA engineers. Students also received the resources and tools they needed to complete their projects.
In addition, EGA hosts the annual Industrial Robotics Competition, which aims to provide university engineering students with real-world experience in robotics, automation and big data. Last year, the EGA program sparked interest in science, technology, engineering and math among young people, reaching more than 6,000 students. — trade arab news agency