AMICSTL, Project MFG host 2026 Additive Manufacturing Competition
Illinois Business Journal. February 25, 2025
Triad High School, Freeburg High School and Althoff Catholic High School advance to compete in national championship
On Friday, Feb. 20, 2026, the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Center St. Louis (AMICSTL) partnered with Project MFG to host a regional Additive Manufacturing Competition bringing together 12 high school teams from across the St. Louis region.
Held at Saint Louis University, the event challenged students to apply STEM and problem-solving skills in a real-world manufacturing challenge, designing and producing components using advanced 3D printing technologies.
Participating schools included Affton High School, Althoff Catholic High School, Belleville East High School, Clyde C. Miller Academy, Freeburg High School, Hazelwood West High School, Oakville High School, Pattonville High School, Spark! Engineering from Parkway High School, St. Charles Community College, St. Louis CAPs (Center for Advanced Professional Studies), and Triad High School.
”Friday’s competition highlights the remarkable talent emerging across the St. Louis region. By taking on a real manufacturing challenge, these students showed the creativity, precision, and adaptability that define modern industry,” said Dennis Muilenburg, AMICSTL board chairman. “Their work today is a powerful reminder of why experiential learning is vital to preparing the workforce that will drive our region’s future.”
After a high energy competitive day of design, production, and judging, the following teams earned top honors:
First Place: Triad High School
Second Place: Freeburg High School
Third Place: Althoff Catholic High School
These teams will advance to the Project MFG Additive Manufacturing National Championship in Pflugerville, Texas, on May 5-6, 2026, where they will represent the St. Louis region on a national stage.
“Project MFG is proud to partner with AMICSTL to bring real manufacturing challenges to students,” said Brent Griffith, Additive Manufacturing subject matter expert. “This competition pushes students to think critically, adapt quickly, and work as a team—exactly what real manufacturing challenges require. We’re excited to see the regional winners advance to the National Championship.”
This year’s competition was supported by sponsors committed to strengthening the region’s talent pipeline:
Pioneer Sponsors: The Boeing Company; Saint Louis University
Innovator Sponsors: MOHELA; Missouri Scholarship and Loan Foundation; Southern Illinois University Edwardsville; Greater St. Louis Inc.
Maker Sponsors: Anders; Daniel & Henry; Fifth Third Bank; Harris-Stowe University; Missouri Works; National Tooling & Machining Association; St. Charles Community College; St. Louis Community College; SWIC Belleville Campus; SWIC East St. Louis Campus; Technology Partners; University of Missouri–St. Louis
AMICSTL extends its appreciation to all sponsoring organizations whose support made the event possible and expanded hands-on opportunities for students to explore advanced manufacturing careers.