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SME About SME Awards & Recognition Blue Sky Competition Blue Sky Competition — Submit Your Abstract

Blue Sky Competition — Submit Your Abstract

The SME Blue Sky Competition invites individuals and teams to share bold, visionary ideas that could define the future of manufacturing. Submissions should outline grand challenges and propose innovative solutions that advance research, technology, and education in the field.

Your submission should demonstrate creativity, collaboration, and impact—focusing on how your idea can shape the next era of manufacturing innovation.

Submit Abstract

Entry Process

  1. Prepare Your Abstract
    • Prepare a one-page PDF abstract (up to 750 words) describing your vision.
    • Clearly identify the challenge, your proposed concept, and potential impact.
    • Discuss interdisciplinary collaborations or technologies needed to realize the vision.
  2. Complete the Online Form
    • Use the link below to access the official submission form.
    • You’ll be asked to upload your abstract and provide brief information about your background and affiliation.
  3. Confirmation
    • Once submitted, you’ll receive a confirmation email.
    • Finalists will be notified after the review process concludes.

Key Dates

  • Submission Deadline: February 15, 2027
  • Finalists Announced: March 15, 2027
  • Final Presentations: May 4, 2027

Judging Criteria

Scope
Is the proposed idea a “grand challenge” of large scale or a singular research problem?

Interdisciplinary Nature of Idea
To what extent does the proposed idea require the intersection of disparate disciplines to achieve the described vision?

Quality of Presentation
How well is the proposed idea articulated and motivated?

Potential Impact
What is the potential of the proposed idea to influence and transform the future of manufacturing research and education?

Eligibility and Criteria

The presenter for the team most be 2 years post terminal degree.

Ready to Submit?

Click the button below to complete your submission.

Submit Abstract