Statewide Design Challenge

Ignite innovation with the statewide design challenge

The Ohio STEM Learning Network’s annual design challenge brings students from across the state together to tackle real-world problems through hands-on, creative problem solving. Working in teams, students design, test, and refine their ideas while building essential skills like collaboration, resilience, and critical thinking. It’s a powerful way to bring STEM learning to life in any classroom.

For many schools, the statewide design challenge is an easy and exciting entry point into high-quality STEM education. It helps educators connect learning to real issues, engage students in meaningful work, and spark a culture of curiosity, innovation, and possibility.

What to expect from the annual statewide challenge

  • Open to all Ohio schools—everyone is welcome!
  • Students work together to develop practical solutions to important local manufacturing challenges.
  • Online resources and toolkits for teachers and students.
  • Professional development opportunities to help educators lead with confidence.
  • Certificates of participation for every student.
  • Opportunity to compete at regional and state-level each spring.
  • An in-person showcase event celebrating the state’s top 21 teams on March 3, 2027.

Complete the interest form below to receive program details, timelines, and participation opportunities as they become available.

complete the interest form
This year’s challenge:

#STEMmakesOhio Design Challenge

This year’s statewide design challenge partners with the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association with support from Drive Ohio and the U.S. National Science Foundation HAMMER Engineering Research Center.

The 2026-2027 challenge question is:

How can we change or improve how we make things so we can build materials, parts, and products in new places or environments?

In other words, how can we think of new ways to make things in unusual or surprising places?

Develop a plan, system, or product to make the future of manufacturing possible in new places.

PTL 0099 Battelle OSLN DesignChall 2026 (1) (2)

Guidebook for the design challenge

The #STEMmakesOhio guidebook is your all-in-one resource for a successful design challenge experience. Inside, you’ll find:

  • Step-by-step instructions for bringing the design cycle to life in your classroom
  • A calendar of important dates and submission deadlines, complete with helpful links
  • Curated background information, videos, and resources for students from experts
  • Grade-level rubrics to help you evaluate student solutions at every stage
  • Tips on how students can showcase their design challenge work at Science Day and Invention Convention competitions

Once you register your school above, you’ll receive a direct link to download the guidebook. In addition, you will automatically be registered to receive the Drive Ohio Teacher Toolkit with valuable lessons and activities for use in your classroom.

Get ready to empower your students and make the most of this year’s challenge!

*Guidebook will be available in Fall 2026*

Program details

Eligibility

  • Any school in the state of Ohio is eligible to participate
  • Student groups consist of two to four students (see note)
  • Open to all grades, K-12 

Note: Individual students are not eligible to participate. If a full class elementary class participates in the challenge as a group, please select two to four representatives of the class to present.

Schedule overview

  • June 9, 2026: Official kickoff event at the OSLN STEM Innovation Summit
  • August 7, 2026: Design challenge registration opens
  • December 4, 2026: Intent to Compete form due
  • January 12, 2027: Competition entries due
  • March 3, 2027: State showcase

Webinar dates

Preregistration is required using the links below:

All webinars will take place from 3:30-4:30 PM. 

Supports for schools

  • Professional development opportunities for teachers
  • Online expert resources for teachers and students
  • Guidebook for use by teachers and students
  • Opportunities for students to interact with industry professionals
  • Rubrics to evaluate student work
  • Participation certificates for every student
  • Regional and state-level awards in spring 2027

State Showcase

The top 21 scoring teams from across the state will be invited to present their solutions at the OSLN Design Challenge State Showcase on March 3, 2027. The event is held at Battelle’s main headquarters in Columbus, Ohio each year.

At the event:

  • Students will present their solutions to scientists and engineers from Battelle, Ohio Manufacturing Association, Drive Ohio, the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce, the U.S. National Science Foundation HAMMER Engineering Research Center, and a host of other experts.
  • The statewide winners of the #STEMmakesOhio Design Challenge will be announced.
  • Students will have the opportunity to have lunch conversations with industry experts.
PTL 0102 Battelle OSLN DesignChall 2026

Partners

About the Ohio Manufacturers' Association

The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association is Ohio’s largest statewide business association comprising solely manufacturers. Established in 1910, the OMA’s mission is to protect and grow Ohio manufacturing. It represents manufacturers of all sizes in every industry of the sector. Manufacturing is Ohio’s largest economic sector, employing approximately 700,000 Ohioans and contributing $110 billion annually to the state’s economy. Connecting students with the OMA helps spark an early interest in manufacturing careers, exposes them to real-world industry challenges, and fosters skills development that aligns with Ohio’s workforce needs. Engaging students through hands-on opportunities like the OSLN Statewide Design Challenge also builds awareness of the diverse, high-tech, and rewarding career pathways available in modern manufacturing.

OMA logo

About HAMMER

The U.S. National Science Foundation HAMMER Engineering Research Center (NSF HAMMER-ERC) is developing a new approach to design and manufacturing, putting product needs first and then finding new manufacturing pathways based on the agility of artisans and reproducibility of machines. NSF HAMMER-ERC is the hub for technical, commercial, educational and standard setting for Hybrid Autonomous Manufacturing knowledge creation, deployment and commercial development. NSF HAMMER-ERC is a partnership between the National Science Foundation and an alliance of academics, industry and technical societies, led by The Ohio State University.

Learn more at hammer.osu.edu.

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Complete the interest form below to receive program details, timelines, and participation opportunities as they become available.

complete the interest form