SPARK: Virtual Manufacturing & Design Challenge
This is not just a passive series of theoretical lectures. SPARK Core is an interactive, challenge-based learning experience.
From day one, you will be placed into cross-border international teams working in a collaborative digital ecosystem. Together, you will solve engineering problems, share data, and co-design real components. You will learn to manage digital fatigue and team workload under professional Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) environments, turning theory into collaborative practice.
Interactive Learning Blocks
– 3D Advanced Design & Simulation (CAD/CAE), 2hours: Collaborative geometric modeling of high-performance components. Teams will test material limits virtually using Finite Element Method (FEM) simulations before physical fabrication.
– CAM Foundations (Computer-Aided Manufacturing), 45 minutes: Jointly programming CNC machining strategies, defining toolpaths, and understanding cutting parameters for precision milling.
– Design for Additive Manufacturing (DfAM), 45 minutes: Engineering components for 3D printing, optimizing topologies, and validating dimensional tolerances in a team setup.
– Manufacturing Theory & Workshop Safety, 25 minutes: Discovering the physics behind aluminum machining, the chemistry of carbon fiber polymerisation, and standard safety protocols for laboratory environments.
– The “Passport” to Madrid (Phase 2): Completing the group dynamics of this online phase, showcasing proactive collaboration, and validating your team’s digital component design is the exclusive criteria used to select the participants traveling to Madrid for the fully-funded hands-on SPARK Lab workshop.
Participation
The activity is open to Bachelor’s and Master’s students interested in wellbeing, sustainable performance, collaborative learning and engineering-related challenges. No prior technical knowledge is required. Participants are encouraged to actively engage in discussions, brainstorming sessions, interactive activities and team-based tasks throughout the workshop. Enrollment may be limited depending on the number of available places.
Selection for SPARK Project
Following the BALANCE Workshop, students will be selected to participate in the SPARK Project. The selection process will be based on participants’ engagement, active involvement in workshop activities, contribution to discussions and collaborative tasks, as well as their motivation to further participate in the project’s educational and interdisciplinary activities.
WHEN
February 2027 – An Specific Day is yet to be defined.
WHERE
Online via TEAMS
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Sign up via Digital Campus until 1 November 2026
This initiative has been funded through the EELISA Joint Call 7, as part of the SPARK – Sustainable Performance Training for Future Engineers: Integrating Wellbeing, Simulation and Collaborative Innovation project.