19th National Student 3D CAD Mold Design Competition Concludes Successfully with Participation from 18 Institutions and 170 Students; High School Division Added
Contribution to Elevating the Mold Industry's Status and Proactively Responding to Manufacturing Environment Changes
The Korea Mold Industry Cooperative (Chairman Yong-moon Shin, hereinafter "KODMIC") successfully concluded the two-day final round of the 19th National Student 3D CAD Mold Design Competition on August 17 (Wed) and 18 (Thu) at the Korea Mold Technology Institute in Siheung, Gyeonggi Province.
Held as part of the 2022 Root Technology Skills Competition organized by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE), the Korea Institute of Industrial Technology (KITECH), and the National Center for Root Industry Promotion, this KODMIC-hosted event aims to cultivate new mold design talent, enhance industry pride among mold engineering students, and expand workforce supply. This year saw participation from 170 students across 18 institutions, with 82 students from 16 schools advancing to the finals after preliminary rounds.
The competition featured 3D Mold Design and 3D Press Die Design categories for university students, with high school students competing exclusively in 3D Mold Design. To promote early discovery of exceptional talent and raise awareness of the mold industry’s importance, KMIC newly established the high school division this year and provided preparatory grants to participating institutions.
KMIC has organized this nationwide competition since 2004 to systematically nurture core design talent for high-quality mold production. A total of 31 winners—including 1 Grand Prize, 7 Gold, 6 Silver, and 16 Bronze awardees—received commendations from MOTIE, the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, and the Ministry of Education, along with over ₩12 million (≈$9,000 USD) in prizes. Top-performing institutions received group awards.
The competition also serves as a model for industry-academia collaboration: Winners gain priority employment opportunities with leading mold companies and employment incentives, while their institutions receive additional mold design scholarships.
KODMIC Chairman Yong-moon Shin emphasized: "This annual competition elevates the mold industry’s stature and attracts young talent. By expanding participation to high school students this year alongside undergraduates, we aim to proactively respond to rapid changes in mold manufacturing through evolving programs."
Winners will be announced on the KODMIC website (www.koreamold.com) on August 30, with an awards ceremony hosted by MOTIE in late September.
