In a first for the Designathon, team Ritmik secured recognition from Autodesk as a wildcard winners.
The calibre of the entries in the third edition of the international student competition was incredibly high so an additional category was introduced, as a surprise, in the third edition of the Designathon.
John Peros, Director – Autodesk Learning Partner Program, decided to play a wildcard by selecting an additional team for celebration from the 178 entries. In marking their achievement:
“I just love the way this shape flows. One of the great things about Autodesk Fusion is being able to create smooth transitions in your modelling. The scale and feel of the space is very inviting.”
Büşra Ulucak, Çağan Hancı and Elif Güvendik, Industrial Design students at Middle East Technical University, Türkiye, made up Ritmik. They designed a self-sufficient outdoor study pavilion that blends renewable energy with user-centred design. The distinctive roof form, lined with photovoltaic panels, generates clean power for lighting and device-charging while providing shade and rain protection.
When asked about their wildcard win, they said:
“It was actually a surprise since we were the last team that was announced as wildcard winners and we did not know that there was any other category, but we are quite happy and shocked in a good way about the results of our work.”
Their success has been acknowledged by their university.
Prof. Dr. Gülay Hasdoğan, Head of the Department of Industrial Design, Faculty of Architecture said:
“Team Ritmik showed an excellent understanding of one of the core principles of industrial design: the need to harmonise aesthetics with functionality. It’s exciting to see how effectively they used digital modelling to explore and refine the flowing, organic forms at the heart of their concept. As their tutor, it’s rewarding to watch students grow into confident, capable designers who can communicate strong ideas through both form and function.”
Team Ritmik will now be able to access Autodesk certification, widely recognised by employers around the world.
Working to a tight Designathon schedule honed the team’s organisation and work-division skills, forcing them to adapt quickly when there was “no time to research existing products”. That agility – and new-found confidence with Autodesk Fusion for rapid digital prototyping – will serve them well as they pursue careers in industrial design.
About the Designathon
Designathon 2025, organised by KnowledgePoint, was the third edition of a two‑day international online design challenge for teams of engineering and industrial design students. Students were offered training to boost their Autodesk Fusion modelling skills and learn about key workflows.
They then worked in teams of two or three to respond to a sustainable design challenge – the student teams were asked to design an accessible, aesthetically-pleasing outdoor hub where students can gather, work and charge their devices. The solution needed to use a renewable energy source (or sources) for the electrical supply. The design needed to consider durability, usability and impact on the environment.
This year teams of students from 140 educational institutions took part. 178 projects were submitted, involving 446 participants in 17 countries. Entries were of a very high standard, making the selection of winners very difficult for the jury.
For more information about Designathon 2025 and Autodesk’s commitment to education, visit our landing-page here.
Team NotFound from Delhi Technological University made a strong impression in Designathon 2025 with a bold, climate-adaptive concept that blends architectural insight with sustainable engineering.
Saibik Dey, Tejas, and Vinayak Biju designed a year-round student workspace that stays cool without relying on air conditioning – a critical challenge in India’s increasingly hot summers.
The concept was shaped by India’s climatic conditions and influenced by the bold, sustainable architecture of the Chandigarh College of Architecture. It all came together thanks to the team’s commitment to usability, environmental performance and understanding of the environment around them.
The team’s third place has been recognised by their university.
Dr. Ravindra Singh, from the Department of Design, Delhi Technological University said:
“We are immensely proud of our students’ achievement at the Autodesk Designathon 2025. Their success reflects the creativity, technical skills, and dedication fostered at Delhi Technological University. We appreciate Autodesk and KnowledgePoint for providing such an excellent platform to showcase young talent.”
The team’s approach prioritised natural cooling through thoughtful spatial orientation and materials. A south-facing layout takes advantage of prevailing winds, while sun-breaker walls block direct sunlight and even channel air inside via a Venturi effect. A layered roof system – with cement, clay, and rooftop planting – draws on the evaporative cooling power of traditional clay pots. Meanwhile, solar panels provide renewable energy for lighting and charging, and the rooftop doubles as an outdoor study area to make every part of the design work harder.
“The best part of Designathon,” said the team, “was the immense help from student experts and the supportiveness of the hosts.”
But completing the full design, renderings, and summary in such a tight timeframe? That was the real test. Along the way, they discovered new capabilities in Autodesk Fusion and sharpened their skills in collaboration and time management.
Each member of the team is aiming for a future in design: Vinayak and Tejas in product design, Saibik in visual/UI/UX design. Their Designathon experience – and Fusion 360 know-how – will give them a competitive edge as they move forward.
“We’re proud of what we achieved, and excited for what’s next.”
About the Designathon
Designathon 2025, organised by KnowledgePoint, was the third edition of a two‑day international online design challenge for teams of engineering and industrial design students. Students were offered training to boost their Autodesk Fusion modelling skills and learn about key workflows.
They then worked in teams of two or three to respond to a sustainable design challenge – the student teams were asked to design an accessible, aesthetically-pleasing outdoor hub where students can gather, work and charge their devices. The solution needed to use a renewable energy source (or sources) for the electrical supply. The design needed to consider durability, usability and impact on the environment.
This year teams of students from 140 educational institutions took part. 178 projects were submitted, involving 446 participants in 17 countries.
This year’s Designathon was really competitive, with three teams scoring the same in joint third place. This is what the jury had to say about the Team NotFound entry:
“We were impressed with how understanding of local climatic conditions clearly inspired the design for this outdoor student hub. By capitalising upon these conditions for its design and energy-supply, it offers a multi-level and functional space for students.”
Learn more about Designathon 2025 and Autodesk’s commitment to education here.
The duo of Kyrollos Shenouda and Youssef Nassar collaborated for success as KYO Design in Designathon 2025. The two students from the Faculty of Applied Arts, Benha University, Egypt, secured joint third place in the international student competition.
Success in Designation 2025 has been an uplifting experience for the team.
“Seeing all the hard work, late nights, and creativity come to life and to be recognized on such a big stage has been deeply rewarding. It’s given us more confidence in our skills and inspired us to keep pushing boundaries, learn more, and aim even higher in future projects.”
Their entry was inspired by Zaha Hadid. The flowing canopy structure integrates renewable energy through roof-mounted solar panels, while providing shade and shelter throughout the year. Inside open seating and charging stations encourage collaboration, while the sculptural form blends with nature and creates a visually iconic gathering point on campus. The design balances aesthetics, functionality, and sustainability to meet the needs of students and the competition brief.
Participating in Designation 2025 allowed Kyrollos and Youssef to sharpen their Autodesk Fusion skills. They overcame obstacles such as slow internet and limited architectural knowledge to produce a design that stands out for both its aesthetics and functionality.
The jury was keen to recognise KYO Design’s efforts:
“The quirky nature-inspired design captured our attention and marked this project out for recognition. The organic design utilises solar-power and encourages airflow around the space. It offers an accessible outdoor hub where students can gather to work and collaborate.”
About the Designathon
Designathon 2025, organised by KnowledgePoint, was the third edition of a two‑day international online design challenge for teams of engineering and industrial design students. Students were offered training to boost their Autodesk Fusion modelling skills and learn about key workflows.
They then worked in teams of two or three to respond to a sustainable design challenge – the student teams were asked to design an accessible, aesthetically-pleasing outdoor hub where students can gather, work and charge their devices. The solution needed to use a renewable energy source (or sources) for the electrical supply. The design needed to consider durability, usability and impact on the environment.
A key aim of the Designathon is to boost student employability, a point recognised by team KYO Design:
“Winning the third place makes us more confident to share designs and also it was great added to our portfolio.”
This year teams of students from 140 educational institutions took part. 178 projects were submitted, involving 446 participants in 17 countries. Entries were of a very high standard, making the selection of winners very difficult for the jury.
For more information about Designathon 2025 and Autodesk’s commitment to education, visit the Designathon page.
Team Barely Bearing from Tallinn University of Applied Sciences claimed joint third place in the international Designathon 2025 thanks to their concept for a modular, weather-proof student workspace hub powered by wind and solar energy.
The three-strong team of Nikita Kulakov, Nikita Pikkas and Reimo Vellemaa placed joint third in the student design competition. Studying Mechanical Engineering or Robotics Engineering, the team impressed the jury with a solution which combines a timber enclosure, e-bike charging stations, a wind-turbine lamp-post, roof-mounted modular PV panels and an outdoor bench for collaboration and relaxation.
The team drew inspiration from nature, the Archimedean/Fibonacci screw, the desire for the solution to fit into many different climate settings and for it to be aesthetically pleasing.
Barely Bearing achieved the same score as two other entries, underscoring the competitive nature of the Designathon challenge.
The jury said of the team’s entry:
“We liked this project for its use of natural materials and for the integration of renewable energy solutions for study and travel. The design brings together a number of features which demonstrate the team’s focus on sustainability and usability.”
Delighted to secure joint third place, the students talked about their motivation for participation in the Designathon challenge, saying:
“We wanted to push ourselves to learn more and make collective creative decisions in a limited timeframe. It allowed us to put our knowledge and skills to the test in Autodesk Fusion.”
As active members of their university’s Robotics Club, the students plan to keep using Autodesk Fusion for club projects and 3-D-printing experiments. Showcasing a Designathon podium finish on their CVs is, they say, “a definite selling-point for future employers” as they move towards careers in design, optimisation and automation.
About the Designathon
Designathon 2025, organised by KnowledgePoint, was the third edition of a two‑day international online design challenge for teams of engineering and industrial design students. Students were offered training to boost their Autodesk Fusion modelling skills and learn about key workflows.
They then worked in teams of two or three to respond to a sustainable design challenge – the student teams were asked to design an accessible, aesthetically-pleasing outdoor hub where students can gather, work and charge their devices. The solution needed to use a renewable energy source (or sources) for the electrical supply. The design needed to consider durability, usability and impact on the environment.
This year teams of students from 140 educational institutions took part. 178 projects were submitted, involving 446 participants in 17 countries. Entries were of a very high standard, making the selection of winners very difficult for the jury. For more information about Designathon 2025 and Autodesk’s commitment to education, visit the Designathon page.
Third place last year – second in 2025! The team from Yıldız Technical University in Türkiye secured second position at Designathon 2025, the annual student design competition organised by KnowledgePoint.
The two mechanical engineering students, Ahmet Akçadırci and İbrahim Berat Ertuğrul, set out to challenge themselves again, and it paid off. The students started with a sketch of their proposed concept, before starting the design and modelling process in Autodesk Fusion.
Inspired by natural elements, the team’s IgLoop combined a palm-like central column evoking summer, and an exterior reminiscent of an igloo bringing a touch of winter. Its 90-degree foldable panels are designed allow users to enjoy fresh air while relaxing or studying.
Their entry describes the concept:
“Take a break from the hustle of campus life and immerse yourself in the harmony of the seasons with IgLoop—where the temperature adapts to the climate, and the ambiance always feels like peace.”
Having already reached the podium in Designathon 2024, Ahmet and İbrahim collaborated again on the 2025 edition. “Doing everything from scratch and seeing what you’re capable of” was, for them, the most rewarding part of the experience.
When asked about placing second in this year’s Designathon the team said:
“We feel happy about it. There were so many projects that we really liked and a bit surprised how we got selected. We guess it is the concept and feeling that made it stand out.”
Their achievement has also been recognised by their university. Associate Professor Dr. Binnur Sagbas who is the Vice Dean of the Mechanical Engineering Faculty at Yıldız Technical University said:
“We are delighted and proud that our students’ team, DesAIgn, achieved second place in Designathon 2025, a global competition with 178 projects from 140 educational institutions.
In this international challenge, which focused on renewable energy, sustainable design principles, and environmentally conscious solutions, our students inspired us all with their creativity and vision for a better future.
We sincerely congratulate them and wish that their success continues to be a source of inspiration. We also extend our heartfelt thanks to KnowledgePoint for providing such a meaningful platform that encourages young talents to design for a sustainable tomorrow.“
Entries were of a very high standard, making the judging process very difficult. This is what the jury had to say about the Team DesAIgn concept.
The jury said:“Its use of multiple renewable energy sources, combined with innovative design, made IgLoop a stand-out project. Its ability to adapt to the season and time of day offers a flexible study and social space for students. The team clearly understood the brief, and brought their concept to life through excellent 3D modelling and renders.”
About the Designathon
Designathon 2025, organised by KnowledgePoint, was the third edition of a two‑day international online design challenge for teams of engineering and industrial design students. Students were offered training to boost their Autodesk Fusion modelling skills and learn about key workflows.
They then worked in teams of two or three to respond to a sustainable design challenge – the student teams were asked to design an accessible, aesthetically-pleasing outdoor hub where students can gather, work and charge their devices. The solution needed to use a renewable energy source (or sources) for the electrical supply. The design needed to consider durability, usability and impact on the environment.
This year teams of students from 140 educational institutions took part. 178 projects were submitted, involving 446 participants in 17 countries. Learn more about Designathon 2025 here.
Team Sketch 42, from Middle East Technical University in Türkiye, brought their Industrial Design training to life in their first ever external design competition – and it paid off. The team’s outdoor student workspace concept earned them first place in Autodesk Designathon 2025, standing out for its strong balance of usability, sustainability and aesthetic coherence.
Their design blends open-air and semi-enclosed zones to support everything from quiet study to group projects, while maintaining comfort across seasons. A flower-shaped solar panel powers the space, rooftop greenery helps regulate temperature, and natural materials echo the brutalist tones of their own Ankara campus – the design’s core inspiration.
The team, comprising Alaaddin Şenli, Kaan Karagöz and Leyla Öztoktay, said:
“It was a great experience to push our limits and see what we can do as a team.”
For the students who are in their their second and third years of study, the Designathon was a leap into the unknown.
“This was our first competition entry outside school. We were really surprised and very happy with the results.”
Taking part taught the team more than just how to optimise Autodesk Fusion workflows. They honed their time management, improved their project planning under pressure, and learned just how clear communication is essential.
Their achievement has been recognised by their university.
Prof. Dr. Gülay Hasdoğan, Head of the Department of Industrial Design, Faculty of Architecture said:
“I’m proud of what Team Sketch 42 has achieved, placing first out of 178 teams. I’m impressed with how they drew on the climate and aesthetic of our own campus in Ankara to shape their design. That level of contextual thinking, where sustainability, the customer needs and visual language come together.
“Their ability to work in this way will serve them well both in their remaining studies and as they move into their professional careers. I’m delighted to see their talent being recognised on such a big stage.”
Designathon 2025, organised by KnowledgePoint, was the third edition of a two‑day international online design challenge for teams of engineering and industrial design students. Students were offered training to boost their Autodesk Fusion modelling skills and learn about key workflows.
They then worked in teams of two or three to respond to a sustainable design challenge – the student teams were asked to design an accessible, aesthetically-pleasing outdoor hub where students can gather, work and charge their devices. The solution needed to use a renewable energy source (or sources) for the electrical supply. The design needed to consider durability, usability and impact on the environment.
This year teams of students from 140 educational institutions took part. 178 projects were submitted, involving 446 participants in 17 countries. Entries were of a very high standard, making the selection of winners very difficult for the jury.
The jury said:“This project was selected as the first-place winner due to its combination of exceptional 3D modelling, attention to detail and design aesthetics. Combining semi-enclosed and open-air spaces, the design offers students an accessible, multi-functional and aesthetically-pleasing hub. Solar-powered, the project clearly takes into account its impact on the environment.”
Find out more about Designathon 2025 and Autodesk’s commitment to education here.
As the manufacturing sector continues to evolve, sustainability is no longer a ‘nice to have’—it’s a business imperative. Driven by climate commitments, shifting consumer expectations, and the rapid advance of digital technology, manufacturers are being called upon to design and make with both economic performance and environmental stewardship in mind.
The recently published Autodesk State of Design & Make Report1 underscores this shift. It highlights how increasing awareness of the business value of sustainability has many leaders changing their perspective, seeing sustainability initiatives less as an obligation and more as an opportunity for greater performance. Indeed, it finds of 71% of design and make business leaders believe that sustainability measures can generate in excess of 5% of their annual revenue.
Across manufacturing organisations are looking at how they can reduce environmental harm, for example, by adopting energy-efficient technologies, optimising resource use, and implementing reuse and recycling practices. These can minimise water and energy consumption, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and limit or prevent pollution
Companies are increasingly rethinking materials, embracing new design principles, and investing in automation to reduce waste and energy consumption. They’re starting to prioritise the intersection between humans and machines, innovation, and harmonisation with the environment.
With the shift in approach, what are the implications for the skills landscape? How do companies equip the workforce with the skills needed to deliver on sustainability ambitions?
We talk about skills – in particular digital skills – in our recent insight report, Making for Tomorrow: Skilling across the Ages. We highlight the importance of equipping individuals with knowledge in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) as well as critical, adaptable skills that can keep pace with evolving technology.
According to the World Economic Forum2, the global number of green roles grew 8% per year for the five years prior to 2023. As the WEF puts it: the corporate world needs an army of employees, in all areas of business, thinking about sustainability in their decisions every day.
It goes on to say: that means product designers, supply managers, economists, scientists, architects and many others with the knowledge to both recognize unsustainable practices and find ways to improve sustainability for the overall health of their companies and the planet.
We don’t under-estimate the size of the challenge – there are insufficient people in the ecosystem with the skills and experience needed. In particular, I was struck by the estimate from UNESCO that Sub-Saharan Africa alone needs 2.3 million engineers to address its development challenges, including huge infrastructure projects, sustainable energy solutions, improved health care and improved food production.
Sustainability as a core competence
In our report, we suggest sustainability needs to become a core competence – how incorporating sustainable practices into manufacturing offers both an environmental responsibility and a strategic advantage.
Encouragingly we’re seeing increasing recognition of its importance. In the latest Future of Jobs report from the World Economic Forum3, among the top 10 skills on the rise are leadership and social influence, talent management, analytical thinking, and environmental stewardship. These skills highlight the need for workers who can lead teams, manage talent effectively and adapt to sustainability and green transitions in an increasingly complex and interconnected world.
This and the Autodesk report point to how a growing focus on environmental stewardship as a critical skill reflects an evolving alignment between business strategies and sustainability objectives.
Preparing for the future
We’re in the business of preparing people for this new era – in helping develop the talent of the future which will allow organisations to align business goals with sustainable priorities. We know that sustainability isn’t just about new technologies or business models—it’s also about people. It demands a different kind of workforce: creative problem-solvers who understand lifecycle thinking, systems designers fluent in digital tools, and technicians who can work across disciplines to reduce resource use and improve product longevity.
One of the ways we’re helping people prepare for the future is through our Designathon. This hands-on, challenge-led initiative invites teams of students to enhance their skills and respond to a green design brief. The Designathon encourages them to apply digital design principles, to collaborate, and innovate.
It’s not only a creative exercise; it reflects the skills shift we need across the manufacturing sector.
Initiatives like this are essential to complement traditional education and training pathways. They provide a space for people to explore sustainability through a practical lens, test out ideas, and gain confidence in digital tools that are increasingly central to sustainable design and manufacturing—such as generative design, simulation, and additive manufacturing.
The future of manufacturing will be shaped by those who can balance performance, cost, and environmental responsibility. To support that future, industry leaders, education providers, and policymakers must work together to embed sustainability into the fabric of skills development.
Create more sustainable products with Autodesk Fusion – find out more at our FREE demo
Autodesk Fusion empowers users to create more sustainable products and processes through material selection tools, energy consumption analyses and lifecycle assessments. This focus on sustainability is not just about reducing waste or energy usage; it’s about innovating in ways that lead to more environmentally friendly and economically viable products.
We’re offering businesses the opportunity to find out more about Autodesk Fusion – we’re hosting a free demo session:
Date: Wednesday, 12 June 2025 Time: 09:30 WEST / 09:30 BST / 10:30 SAST / 11:30 EEST Location: Online on Zoom
In our latest report, Making for Tomorrow: Skilling Across the Ages, we explore skills gaps and approaches to filling these gaps. We highlight the importance of sustainability – and include examples of how Autodesk Fusion has been applied in practice.
Tomas Karlsson is the sr manager of channel services at Knowledge Point. This means he oversees the management of outsourced extended enterprise learning programmes, recruiting, and supporting global network of training providers on behalf of organisations, including Autodesk.
Get inspired: hear from previous winners of the Autodesk Designathon student competition
We’re in year three of the Designathon. Tomas Karlsson at KnowledgePoint recently caught up with two of the winners from Designathon 2023 to find out how the experience has shaped their journeys.
Ahmet Kaya and Ömer Kağan Yılmaz were studying Manufacturing Engineering at Gazi University in Türkiye when they achieved success with Team Ying Yang during the international competition in 2023.
Ahmet Kaya Ömer Kağan Yılmaz
What have you been doing since the Designathon?
Ahmet: I’ve been working on four personal projects and continuing my studies. One area I’m focused on is electric vehicle safety—developing intervention methods in case of fires.
Ömer: I’ve completed two internships, and published two research papers alongside two personal projects. Right now, I’m working on ceramic design for armoured vehicle protection as a Platform R&D Engineer at Nurol Technologies.
Looking back, what stood out most from your Designathon experience?
Ahmet: It was how discovering good ideas and implementing them was stronger when shared as a team. Working with Ömer, we saw how our imagination expanded as we brought ideas to life.
Ömer: The most valuable thing was realising our imagination can get powerful as we do, as we make and create.
How did working as a team shape your skills?
Ahmet: Ömer and I were a perfect team. After the Designathon, we both joined a team developing an electric car and used Autodesk Fusion to create a sports car shell. Both in the Designathon and this project we experienced how to bring different ideas together to achieve better results.
Ömer: Agreed – we really synced as a team. In Designathon and the electric car project, we learned the benefit of fusing two ideas – we got better results in the end. I learnt that it’s important to trust your team’s ideas.
Have you applied what you learned in your studies or careers?
Ömer: Having a teamwork-based project like this on your CV can really help when applying for roles. And learning to use AI-generated parts and advanced features in Autodesk Fusion has helped me come up with modern solutions, bringing new vision to parametric designs.
Ahmet: Definitely. Adding teamwork-based success to your CV has been a huge advantage when applying for team-oriented positions. The Designathon helped me bring innovative perspectives to classic parametric designs. It’s even improved efficiency in my R&D projects.
How are you using Autodesk Fusion in your current work?
Ahmet: I use it daily. When I first started using Autodesk Fusion, I thought I would only use it for complex projects. Now it’s become indispensable—beyond modelling, I run manufacturing simulations, test designs virtually, and produce professional renderings.
Ömer: Same here. I need to make render images of complex surface designs with lots of detail and dimensional properties. I can safely say Fusion is my go-to CAD tool for everything from basic to complex designs.
Did the Designathon influence your future direction?
Ömer: It confirmed that my 3D design hobby could be part of my career. Winning a global competition made me believe in my abilities early in my career.
Ahmet: Without a doubt. 3D design has been an interest since I was a child. Success in the Designathon boosted my confidence and helped turn my hobby with 3D printing into a business.
What lasting impact has the Designathon had?
Ahmet: It helped me hold on to my dreams. Now, things that were once dreams are becoming tangible—such as starting and managing my own enterprise.
Ömer: Thanks to the Designathon I have a design-based job, and I’m planning this to go on like this. It showed me that creativity has real-world value. That was a huge confidence boost.
And finally, what advice would you give to future Designathon participants?
Ömer: Don’t be afraid to experiment and trust your team. It is not just a competition, it is a chance to grow, learn and create something meaningful.
Ahmet: Remember, the only thing holding you back is yourself. First dream, take a step, and surround yourself with people who believe in you. Prove yourself!
The Designathon wasn’t just a competition for Ahmet and Ömer—it has acted as a catalyst for their careers. Their journeys show how imagination, teamwork, and the right tools can turn ideas into impact.
Inspired by Ahmet and Ömer?Sign up for Designathon 2025 today!
Our third edition of the Designathon is now open for entries. Like previous versions, Designathon 2025 combines learning with competition—you will develop Autodesk Fusion skills as well as compete for prizes against other student teams.
The first day focuses on modelling with Autodesk Fusion.
The second day puts these skills to the test in a team-based challenge where participants respond to an industrial design problem. The competition emphasises originality, creativity, and model integrity, with prizes for the top teams.
To register a team for the Designathon on 27-28 June 2025, visit the registration page here.
Winning students from the DESIGNNOW 2024 competition at Gazi University in Türkiye recognised how teamwork, collaboration and problem-solving contributed to their success.
Sıla Arslan observed: “We collaborated with my teammates on every part of our design, both in terms of ideas and drawing. When everyone contributed and combined their work, our design came together beautifully and quickly.”
Meryem Ebrar Karaaslan said: “Together with my teammates, we worked in harmony, combining imagination, design skills, and interpretative abilities. Through this, we gained valuable skills such as considering different perspectives and problem-solving.”
Meryem also recognised the importance of the digital design skills developed over the two days: “Learning the Autodesk Fusion program was very enjoyable. Its user-friendly interface made it easy to understand. It’s an application I plan to use frequently in my future academic life, especially for design-based projects.”
Fifty students participated in the two-day design competition from departments including Industrial Design Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Woodworking Engineering, Automotive Engineering, and Industrial Design. The event came together as a collaboration between the Design Engineering Society and the Design Manufacturing and Technology Society, and supported by Autodesk.
The student societies were key to the organisation of the events. They promoted the competition to students, secured involvement of university professors as judges, and distributed awards to students.
Nisa Nur Atasoy from the student community said:
“The event attracted both students who were familiar with 3D design and those who had no prior experience. It also showed how effective teamwork and task distribution can be in achieving great results. For students, the competition provided an opportunity to develop teamwork skills, 3D design abilities, and gain confidence in their ability to create. From the perspective of our university, the benefit lies in gaining experience with a globally recognised program and providing students and the university with valuable resources and opportunities. The competition demonstrated that innovation doesn’t always require creating something entirely new from scratch—existing designs can also be reimagined in unique and creative ways.”
In our latest report, Making for Tomorrow: Skilling Across the Ages, we explore the importance of investing in digital skills across the Middle East and Africa. We highlight the roles schools, universities and businesses play in building a new workforce to work in sectors shaped by advanced technologies. We showcase how student competitions can play a pivotal role in developing skills and inspiring the next generation of designers and makers. To download or read the report visit: https://knowledgepoint.com/autodesk/making-for-tomorrow-skilling-across-the-ages/
How student competitions build talent in design and make industries
In today’s fast-evolving manufacturing landscape, technical expertise alone is no longer enough for employers. Businesses need individuals who can think creatively, collaborate effectively, and apply innovation to solve real-world problems. That’s why forward-thinking organisations are increasingly looking beyond traditional recruitment routes—and why student competitions like our Designathon are gaining traction as valuable platforms for early talent development.
That’s because student competitions simulate the pressure and collaboration of industry projects. They challenge participants to problem solve, work in teams, and harness the latest technologies.
We’re now on year three of the Designathon, our initiative for engineering and industrial design students around the world. It isn’t just a student competition; we aim to help students develop critical digital skills for the manufacturing industry. I’d say it’s a proving ground for the kind of agile, multi-disciplinary problem-solving that modern industrial environments demand. Based around Autodesk Fusion, the Designathon equips students with key design and collaboration skills and gives them an opportunity to showcase their abilities in a competitive, real-world challenge.
The format mimics real-world conditions: high expectations, tight timelines, team dynamics, and a clear brief. Participants must collaborate, negotiate, and present viable solutions—mirroring the challenges professionals face daily on the shop floor, in R&D labs, and in design studios.
Gaining traction
Each year the event grows – we have more students from more institutions in more countries taking part. Overwhelmingly participating students tell us they value the experience offered. I hear time and again how taking part brings confidence and clarity to their professional journeys.
Students gain exposure to advanced tools, develop critical workplace skills, and gain clarity around their career choices. For employers, the Designathon creates a valuable talent pipeline—showcasing future professionals with the right blend of technical ability and applied creativity.
Take Ahmet Kaya, a Manufacturing Engineering student from Gazi University and one of our 2023 winners. He described the Designathon as a pivotal experience:
“Discovering good ideas and implementing them as a team was one of the most valuable experiences. It gave us courage and inspiration—especially at a time when we needed to trust our ideas.”
Ahmet and his teammate Ömer Kağan Yılmaz have since joined a team of designers developing an electric vehicle, applying the skills they honed during the competition. They continue to use Autodesk Fusion, the same tool used in the Designathon, to design a sports car shell. For Ömer, this combination of imagination and application proved game-changing:
“We realised our imagination gets powerful as we make and create. The Designathon helped me take my 3D design hobby seriously and turned it into a real-world skill.”
Real-world experience and skills
For employers in manufacturing and design, this kind of experience is invaluable. Not only do participants gain proficiency with advanced tools like Autodesk Fusion, they also learn to apply emerging technologies such as AI-generated parts and form-based modelling—skills that align closely with current digital transformation trends.
Ahmet notes how features like AI-generated parts and form-based modelling in Autodesk Fusion transformed his approach to engineering:
“Designathon helped me implement modern solutions more effectively and increased efficiency in my R&D projects.”
These aren’t abstract benefits—they translate into real workplace value.
Both Ahmet and Ömer continue to apply and develop their skills in design and innovation. Ahmet is managing his own enterprise alongside is continuing studies. Ömer is developing ceramic-based protection for armoured vehicles as an R&D engineer. Their participation in the competition hasn’t just enhanced their CVs, it opened doors to professional opportunities and accelerated their career choices.
Developing industry-ready talent
The Designathon doesn’t just enhance CVs—it accelerates career paths. The interpersonal dynamics—trusting teammates, negotiating design decisions, presenting ideas—mirror the realities of collaborative industry work.
As Ömer explained: “We learned to combine ideas and get better results. That trust and collaboration helped me grow professionally.”
This kind of applied experience is essential for modern industry roles. The interpersonal dynamics—negotiating, presenting, and collaborating—mirror what’s expected in commercial environments.
While not every student continues directly into a design role, the experience creates a long-lasting impact. It builds resilience, inspires ambition, and for many, affirms their passion for design-led innovation. Another past competitor Ahmet Akçadırcı emphasises their value as platforms for recognition, learning, and community:
“These competitions must continue and be supported in all good means.”
In a world where the workplace is increasingly interdisciplinary, competitions like the Designathon act as bridges—connecting education with enterprise, imagination with implementation. They equip the next generation not only with tools and techniques, but with belief.
As Ahmet Kaya puts it: “I started to hold on to my dreams more tightly. What used to be just ideas are now real products in my hands.”
Why it matters for industry
For businesses facing growing skills shortages and increasing pressure to innovate, the Designathon offers a solution. It’s a platform that helps build the future workforce—one capable of responding to complex design challenges with confidence, creativity, and credibility.
In my opinion, if we want to futureproof manufacturing and industrial design, we must invest in learning experiences that develop both talent and mindset. The Designathon is one such investment.
Challenging the latest talent: Designathon 2025 is open for entries
Our third edition of the Designathon is now open for entries. Like previous versions, Designathon 2025 combines learning with competition—students will develop Autodesk Fusion skills as well as compete for prizes against other student teams. They will be asked to respond to a topical green design challenge—and I’m really excited to see their responses to this brief.
If you’d like to know more about the Designathon and how your business can get involved, get in touch.
In our latest report, Making for Tomorrow: Skilling Across the Ages, we talk about why competitions matter. We explore the value of hands-on competitions in nurturing the next generation of designers, makers, and problem solvers. The report looks at how these experiences build relevant skills, boost confidence, and prepare learners for high-performance roles in technical industries.
Tomas Karlsson is the sr manager of channel services at KnowledgePoint. This means he oversees the management of outsourced extended enterprise learning programmes, recruiting, and supporting global network of training providers on behalf of organisations, including Autodesk.
