This initiative marks the launch of the Future Skills Challenge, a competition designed to inspire the next wave of talent and address skills gaps in the fields of engineering, manufacturing, and digital innovation.
Esports Meets Real-World Engineering: A New Way Forward
The partnership underpins Hexagon’s dedication to inspiring a new wave of talent while championing digital innovation and future-ready skills in engineering and manufacturing. To inspire the next generation, Hexagon’s Manufacturing Intelligence division and Oracle Red Bull Sim Racing is launching the Future Skills Challenge, an innovative competition open to gamers, students, and industry professionals with a passion for esports, engineering, motorsport, or advanced technology.
Exclusive Opportunity at Red Bull’s Sim Racing Erena
Six talented finalists will earn an exclusive invitation to a high-energy showcase event at Red Bull’s state-of-the-art Sim Racing Erena in Milton Keynes this September. There, they will experience personalised coaching sessions from Oracle Red Bull Sim Racing’s elite sim racers, engage with advanced driving simulators, and get a rare behind-the-scenes look at Red Bull Technology Group’s groundbreaking facilities. The overall winner will also take home an exceptional Fanatec sim racing equipment bundle worth approximately €4,000.
Challenges Simulating Real-World Engineering Dynamics
To enter, individuals will complete a set of custom puzzles and problem-solving scenarios. The test will simulate real-world engineering dynamics to evaluate cognitive skills and technical ability, encompassing data analytics, AI-driven decision-making, and digital twin concepts. The challenges will reflect how the fast-paced environment of esports parallels core competencies in high-performance engineering and automotive manufacturing.
Hexagon’s Commitment to Closing Skills Gaps in Manufacturing
The collaboration with Oracle Red Bull Sim Racing supports Hexagon’s broader mission of addressing the skills gap in engineering and manufacturing. The industry continues to face significant challenges in attracting young talent, often due to outdated perceptions of traditional career paths. By engaging with the esports community, Hexagon aims to highlight the exciting, technology-driven opportunities available in digital manufacturing and engineering, inspiring the next generation of innovators.
New Pathways for Engineers in Esports and Manufacturing
Joe Soltysik, head of esports, Red Bull Racing and Red Bull Technology, said: “We are delighted to be launching this groundbreaking competition with long-standing Oracle Red Bull Racing partner Hexagon. As the engineer role in sim racing becomes increasingly complex, the line between real and virtual has never been so close. By working with Hexagon, we can create new pathways for budding engineers to build a career within esports, manufacturing and beyond. We cannot wait to see talented minds entering the Future Skills Challenge and look forward to hosting the winners at the factory.”
Driving Digital Innovation and Career Pathways
Josh Weiss, President at Hexagon’s Manufacturing Intelligence division, said: “We’re proud to partner with Oracle Red Bull Sim Racing to encourage the next generation of digital engineers. There is increasing synergy between esports and engineering, and sim racing offers an authentic proving ground for several transferable skills, with drivers using data analytics and rapid decision-making, just as engineers do in F1 racing and high-performance automotive manufacturing. With the Future Skills Challenge, we’re showcasing how digital capabilities can translate directly into exciting, future-focused careers in manufacturing.”
