The national finals of the materials heat treatment sector of the Mechanical Engineering Innovation and Creativity Competition were held at Shandong University (SDU) from July 18 to 19.

The event drew nearly 2,500 participants from almost 1,000 university teams nationwide, offering a platform for young engineers to showcase innovative ideas and explore new approaches in materials science and manufacturing.

Heat treatment plays a key role in improving material performance and supporting the development of advanced equipment and high-end manufacturing. During the competition, contestants presented projects and answered questions from expert judges, focusing on areas including advanced materials for heat treatment, smart equipment, and green manufacturing processes.

SDU representatives said the university continues to strengthen interdisciplinary research and promote innovation in materials science and engineering. The competition is expected to foster greater collaboration among universities, industry, and research institutions, helping young talent address real-world engineering challenges.

This year's competition featured two new highlights. For the first time, an international student category was introduced to provide a platform for global academic exchange among young researchers. Meanwhile, the event achieved record participation, with more than 11,000 teachers and students from 222 universities registering and submitting over 2,400 projects.

By combining academic learning with practice, the competition aims to cultivate future engineering talent and contribute to technological advancement in the manufacturing sector.

Participants present their projects and engage in on-site discussions with expert judges. [Photo/Shandong University]