Australian Nano-Manufacture Future Challenges

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Innovation Creativity Ambition

Empowering Future Innovators Through Real-World Manufacturing Challenges

ANFMC equips Australian secondary students with future-ready manufacturing skills through real-world, industry-linked challenges

Inspiring the Next Generation of Innovators

Our Vision & Mission

VISION

Shaping Future Innovators

To inspire and equip Australian secondary students with future-ready advanced manufacturing skills through project-based learning and national industry collaboration.

Mission

Inspire Through Innovation

To cultivate interest and proficiency in design, digital fabrication, materials innovation, robotics, and sustainable manufacturing by solving authentic, industry-relevant problems, with the opportunity to showcase solutions at a national platform.

goals

From Ideas to Impact

We aim to provide hands-on experiences, encourage teamwork, and foster entrepreneurial thinking so that every student can transform ideas into impactful solutions for society.

CHALLENGE THEMES

Each year, AMFC features 3–4 manufacturing-related grand challenge tracks that address real-world problems. Teams select one challenge to focus their innovation efforts.

Current Challenge

Sustainable Manufacturing

Design a product or process to reduce environmental impact in manufacturing operations, focusing on materials, energy efficiency, or waste reduction.

Smart Textiles & Wearables

Build a prototype that integrates electronics with textiles to solve problems in health monitoring, safety, or performance enhancement.

Medical Device Innovation

Solve a real-world biomedical manufacturing problem through innovative design, materials selection, or production processes.

Space & Defence Manufacturing

Design for extreme conditions using lightweight materials and advanced processes to address challenges in aerospace or defense applications.

Key Objectives

Engage students in real-world challenges, foster innovation and teamwork, and build future-ready skills in sustainability, design, and advanced manufacturing

Possibilities

Industry 4.0 Exposure

Introduce students to cutting-edge technologies including additive manufacturing, automation, and digital twins that are transforming modern manufacturing.

Take control

Design Thinking

Foster problem-solving and engineering mindsets through hands-on challenges that require creative solutions to real manufacturing problems.

Functions

Industry Connections

Connect schools with universities, research centres, and industry mentors to provide authentic learning experiences and career pathway insights.

Future Education

STEM Pathways

Encourage pursuit of STEM careers through national recognition, mentorship, and inspiring challenges that showcase the excitement of modern manufacturing.

Program Timeline

01

Launch & Registration

August 2025 – National call-out, school engagement, and challenge release

02

Mentorship Phase

August – September 2025 – Selected teams receive mentorship from universities and industry professionals

03

Final Submission

October 10, 2025 – Teams submit final project portfolios, videos, and prototypes

04

Grand Final at ICNASA

Nov 11–15, 2025 – Live pitch, prototype demo, and awards during the ICMASA 2025 Conference

KEY DATES FIRST CHALLENGE

– Registration Opens: August 20
– CAD & Innovation Workshop: August 25 (4 hour)

– Offline 3D printing tutorial workshop: September 20 (4 hour)
– Final Submission Deadline: October 10
– Live Showcase & Grand Final Ceremony at ICNASA 2025 international conference: November 13

Who Can Participate?

Target Participants

Years 9–12 secondary students
Teams of 3–5 students
Each team requires a teacher mentor

Eligible Schools

Public, private, and regional schools across Australia
First round focusing on Victoria
Plans to expand nationally and to New Zealand by 2026

We’re committed to inclusive participation, with special support available for regional and underrepresented schools to ensure equal opportunity for all students.