The Industry 4.0 Student Contest by Digital Industries World (DIW) returns for its fifth edition, continuing its mission to connect engineering students with the digital transformation of industry. Since its launch, the initiative has involved more than 500 students, becoming a key platform for fostering dialogue between academia and the industrial ecosystem while helping address the growing shortage of technical skills in the manufacturing sector.
The contest invites final-year engineering students to develop innovative solutions aimed at improving production systems through advanced digital technologies. Participants are challenged to combine generative and industrial AI, Industrial IoT, cloud computing, digital twins, edge computing and application control, tackling real industrial issues such as predictive maintenance, energy monitoring and collaborative robotics.
Running from February to June 2026, the program also offers training sessions with experts, university professors and guided tours of leading industrial facilities. Previous editions included visits to companies within the DIW network and innovation hubs such as the Siemens Digital Experience Center in Piacenza and the Ducati Museum and Factory in Borgo Panigale.
Students will work in teams and can choose between open topics, academic challenges or — new this year — real industrial challenges proposed directly by DIW member companies, providing direct exposure to current market needs.
The initiative is organized in collaboration with the Fondazione Politecnico di Milano and the Department of Management Engineering at Politecnico di Milano, with participation from the University of Bergamo, the University of Brescia and LIUC University. The MADE Competence Center, a major hub supporting Italy’s digital transition, is also involved and is expected to host the final event and award ceremony for the 2026 edition.
