Challenge

Objective of the Challenge

Every year, the Empower3D project organizes a Challenge to create a fun competition around the project. Teachers who wish to participate must send us a short video showing what the children have created using 3D printing technology, how they did it, and highlighting the fun and playful aspect of the technology. Teachers are completely free to choose how they want to format the video, whether it's a mini film, a tutorial video, or a documentary!

The best videos will then be selected and awarded prizes at the national presentations held each year in all participating countries.

Finally, the third year of the project will feature a European awards ceremony with the best videos made over the three years!

Now it's time to get filming!

Target group and eligibility 

The Challenge is open for all primary school teachers and other adults working in a primary school setting (school directors, special needs support staff, principals, etc. animateurs…), or other educators working with children at a primary school age level (e.g. in community centres etc.). All primary school levels are eligible for the Challenge; however, the project is best adapted to children between the age of 8 and 11.

Secondary schools are not eligible to compete in the Challenge, as well as other structures which host pupils for a limited amount of time (Summer school for instance). 

The Challenge is addressed to teachers who already have the necessary skills and knowledge to work with 3D printers, to assist their pupils on designing in 3D, and who have access to a 3D printer.  This includes, but is not limited to, all the teachers who have taken part in the EMPOWER3D training, either this year or in previous years.

A maximum of 2 entries per classroom is allowed.

Theme of the Challenge

The 2026 theme is the following :

« Design and print an object that contributes to making your city, community or school more sustainable »

If you are stuck, here are some example ideas to help you get started: 

• repair a broken object with 3D printed parts
• create something that could improve biodiversity, decrease waste, save water or save energy
• create a game or puzzle that teaches or raises awareness about sustainability
• create a miniature model of a sustainable school

2026 Challenge Schedule:
- November 2025 : Announcement of the 2026 Challenge theme
- May 3, 2026 : Deadline for submitting videos for classes participating in the Challenge !
- May 2026 : Organization of a jury in each country to determine the national rankings
- May 2026 : National awards ceremony and announcement of the top three winners per country!
- May 29, 2026 : European awards ceremony and closing of the 2026 EMPOWER3D Challenge!

L'ensemble des vidéos gagnantes des éditions précédentes sont sont disponibles sur la page "Ressources".

Quelques photos des créations des années précédentes :