The Knowledge Base: Cultivating Your Brand in the Age of Connection
SMT Perspectives and Prospects: Warren Buffett’s Perpetual Wisdom, Part 2
Smart Automation: Pick-and-place Machines—What Matters in 2025
University Of Minnesota Team Claims Victory In Bright Manufacturing Challenge 2025 Round 1
August 19, 2025 | EMACEstimated reading time: 1 minute
The Electronics Manufacturing & Assembly Collaborative (EMAC) recently announced that Team "Rise and Grind Crew" from the University of Minnesota has emerged victorious in Round 1 of the Bright Manufacturing Challenge 2025. The team's exceptional Printed Circuit Board (PCB) design earned them the $1,000 cash prize and secured their position among the top eight teams advancing to the final round of competition on October 22, 2025 during the SMTA International Conference and Expo in Rosemont, Illinois, USA.
Golden Gopher Excellence Shines
Team "Rise and Grind Crew" distinguished themselves among competitors nationwide with their innovative PCB design that will serve as the brain of their competition robot. The team demonstrated exceptional technical prowess in creating a functional, efficient, and manufacturable design while incorporating a standout custom feature that impressed industry judges.
"The University of Minnesota team captured exactly what we hope to see in the next generation of electronics professionals,” said Tara Dunn, EMAC Director of Training and Education. “Their work blended technical precision with forward-thinking innovation, problem-solving, and attention to detail that fuels real progress in electronics manufacturing. This is the mindset that will shape our industry’s future.”
From Design to Reality: The Journey Continues
Having conquered the design phase, Team "Rise and Grind Crew" now advances to Round 2: Design for Manufacturing (DFM) Review, running through September 30, 2025. During this critical phase, industry experts will evaluate their design for real-world fabrication readiness, providing professional-grade feedback that mirrors actual industry processes. As one of only eight teams nationwide to advance, they will compete in the competition finale for the $2,500 grand prize. The other seven teams to advance include:
- Michigan Technological University Team “MTU ECE”
- University of Massachusetts Lowell “Team Fishies”
- Palomar College Team “PCBros”
- University of Maribor Team “R&J”
- University of Massachusetts Lowell Team “RiverHawk Tracers”
- Pasadena City College Team “Ohm’s Revenge”
- University of Massachusetts Lowell Team “Clap Trap”
Share on:
Testimonial
"Our marketing partnership with I-Connect007 is already delivering. Just a day after our press release went live, we received a direct inquiry about our updated products!"
Rachael Temple - AlltematedSuggested Items
Advocates for Electronics: A Government Relations Team Puts Muscle Behind Your Hustle
08/18/2025 | Michelle Te, Community MagazineWhen Steve Lechtenberg, president and partner of Mectronx in Wisconsin, needed guidance about how PFAS regulations could affect his business, he sent an email to a member of Congress representing his state. That email later resulted in a two-hour in-person meeting with Scott Rausch, one of Sen. Ron Johnson’s team members. “We discussed everything from how the Global Electronics Association helps Mectronx to how small contract manufacturers can compete in today’s global marketplace,” Steve says.
It’s Only Common Sense: Why Failure Is an Opportunity for Growth
08/18/2025 | Dan Beaulieu -- Column: It's Only Common SenseIt’s only common sense that failure, as painful as it may be, is one of the best teachers. Whether you’re running a business, managing a team, or navigating your personal journey, failure offers an unparalleled opportunity to learn, grow, and emerge stronger. If you’re not failing now and then, you’re likely not trying hard enough or pushing yourself out of your comfort zone. Here’s why failure is not just inevitable but also invaluable, and how to use it as a steppingstone to success.
Leadership Change at Koh Young Europe
08/14/2025 | Koh YoungAfter 16 years of leading Koh Young Europe as General Manager, we would like to announce that Harald Eppinger will step down from his executive role.
The Art and Science of PCB Floor Planning: A Comprehensive Guide
08/14/2025 | Cory Grunwald and Jeff Reinhold, Monsoon SolutionsPCB design is an intricate and crucial part of developing electronic products. One of the foundational stages of PCB design is floor planning, a phase where the placement of components and the flow of signals are meticulously mapped out. A good floor plan ensures that the PCB performs well, is easy to manufacture, and meets all mechanical and electrical requirements. We’ll explore the essential aspects of floor planning, from its objectives and process to the challenges that designers face.
It’s Only Common Sense: Sales as a Team Sport
08/04/2025 | Dan Beaulieu -- Column: It's Only Common SenseAnyone who has played, or even watched, sports knows that it’s not just about scoring points or making big plays—it’s about everyone working together toward a common goal. Sales is no different. Too often, sales is considered an individual activity, with each salesperson striving to hit his or her targets. However, the reality is that sales works best when it’s treated as a team sport, with everyone working toward a common goal.