DNSZ Rail Challenge: A Hackathon that Brings Together Youth and Industry

On May 21–22, 2025, JSC "Dnipro Switch Factory" became the initiator and co-organizer of the large-scale career-oriented hackathon DNSZ Rail Challenge, held at the Ukrainian State University of Science and Technology. Around 50 students from three educational institutions—DIIT, DMetI, and VPU-17—participated in the event.

The goal of the event was to create a space for young specialists where they could apply their knowledge in practice, interact with experienced engineers, and find new directions for their future careers. Over two days, participants worked in teams on real-world production tasks:

• optimization of casting designs
• equipment operation control systems
• reduction of non-liquid products
• automation of product and order accounting

Practical Experience: Excursion to DnSZ

The second day of the hackathon began with an excursion to the production facilities of JSC "DnSZ", where students had the opportunity to see all stages of manufacturing switchgear products—from casting to final processing. Individual routes were developed for the participants based on their specialties.

"Welding is buzzing, sparks are flying—this could be the perfect setting for Terminator 2!" joked Roman Rybalko, Deputy Director of DIIT, sharing his impressions.

Results and Collaboration

As part of the hackathon, a memorandum of cooperation was signed between JSC "DnSZ" and USUST, solidifying the strategic partnership between education and industry. The event concluded with final project presentations, which were judged by a panel of representatives from USUST and the management of JSC "DnSZ".

Nominations and Winners:

• Implementation Potential — "Metallurgists" team (DMetI)
• Simplicity and Ingenuity — "Profitex" team (VPU-17)
• Data Analysis — "Rail Squad" team (DIIT)
• Grand Prix — "Winning Switch" team (DIIT)

An important result of the hackathon was that three students have already started working at the company, continuing to develop their professional skills. Matviy Kosiak joined the IT department, Yelyzaveta Polyvoda became part of the enterprise's automation system management department, and Maxym Yanov was hired as a technician in the production planning and dispatch department.

Furthermore, under the signed agreement with VPU-17, student internships will begin on June 11, 2025, providing young specialists with invaluable hands-on experience directly on the production floor.

DNSZ Rail Challenge is not only about new ideas, emotions, and connections, but also about real opportunities for students to start their careers in industry. We are confident that this hackathon has great potential for further development and collaboration with educational institutions.