The Manufacturing Innovation Challenge officially kicked off with students from Fort Cherry High School visiting ChemDAQ to begin their role as outside consultants on a real-world manufacturing challenge. During the initial visit, students toured the facility and were introduced to ChemDAQ’s safety monitoring technology and workplace needs to set the foundation for their project work.
Students are now tasked with developing a mobile sensor device charging station concept designed to improve how safety sensors are stored, charged, and accessed during ChemDAQ’s in-house manufacturing and testing processes. Through conversations with ChemDAQ professionals, students gained valuable insight into daily workflows, safety considerations, and operational challenges that will inform their design process.
While onsite, students broke into small groups to brainstorm ideas, take measurements, ask questions, and get hands-on with the project. This mirrored the experience of working as a team of professional consultants in a manufacturing environment!
Following the kickoff visit, students will continue developing their solution back at school, applying problem-solving, design thinking, and collaboration skills. This spring, they will return to ChemDAQ to professionally present their recommendations, completing the experience as true industry consultants and showcasing how student-driven innovation can support manufacturing improvement. Stay tuned to see what they come up with.
Interested in Participating?
The Manufacturing Innovation Challenge connects high school students with local manufacturers to solve authentic industry challenges while building career-ready skills. New schools are always welcome!
👉 Learn more: : Manufacturing Innovation Challenge – Explore the New Manufacturing