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The David Dornfeld Manufacturing Vision Award

Honoring the visionaries shaping the future of manufacturing.

The David Dornfeld Manufacturing Vision Award honors the spirit of innovation and forward thinking that defined the late Professor David Dornfeld, a global leader in sustainable and smart manufacturing. This award celebrates those who look beyond today’s challenges to imagine what manufacturing can become, bold thinkers who drive progress through research, technology, and collaboration.

Each year, the winner is recognized at the SME Fall Gala, where their work stands as a testament to the transformative power of visionary leadership.

Professor Dornfeld’s influence continues through the Blue Sky Competition, where researchers, educators, and industry experts present groundbreaking ideas that challenge the status quo. The award links past and future honoring Dornfeld’s legacy while inspiring new generations to envision a more intelligent, sustainable manufacturing world.

Submit Your Abstract

Get Inspired by Past Finalists and Winners

Explore the abstracts and presentations from the last eight years of competition. These visionary concepts showcase the creativity, technical depth, and passion that continue to move manufacturing forward.

2025 Competition Resultskeyboard_arrow_down
2024 Competition Resultskeyboard_arrow_down
2023 Competition Resultskeyboard_arrow_down
2022 Competition Resultskeyboard_arrow_down
2021 Competition Resultskeyboard_arrow_down
2019 Competition Resultskeyboard_arrow_down
2018 Competition Resultskeyboard_arrow_down
2017 Competition Resultskeyboard_arrow_down