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.
#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?
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-12Â
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
- September 2, 2026: Virtual Kickoff
- October 1, 2026: Building Student Excitement
- November 10, 2026: Industry Expert Panel discussion
- December 2, 2026: State Competition Overview
All webinars will take place after school hours. Links will be added soon.
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.
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*
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.
About Drive Ohio
Ohio is home to dozens of public and private entities all involved in the design, development, testing, use, and regulation of automated, connected, electric, and advanced air mobility technologies. DriveOhio, the state’s center for smart mobility, connects all of these organizations to advance this technology across the state. An integral part of the Ohio Department of Transportation, DriveOhio fosters cooperation and collaboration, offers faster access to resources, and improves efficiency for people and organizations that are looking to be a part of this industry.
FlyOhio is an initiative of DriveOhio focused on advanced air mobility. FlyOhio works with public, private, and academic partners to develop, test, and deploy the technology needed for drones to safely fly long distances without fear of collision, ultimately bringing the use of unmanned aircraft for freight, package, and personal transportation closer to reality.
When you register for this year’s design challenge, you will automatically be registered to receive the Drive Ohio Educator Toolkit that is filled with hundreds of resources to support this year’s challenge.
Complete the interest form below to receive program details, timelines, and participation opportunities as they become available.