Published on: 2026-08-27
Source: Novosibirsk State University –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
From August 14 to 23, the NSU Advanced Engineering School “Cognitive Engineering,” together with “SIBUR Innovations,” held the summer engineering hackathon “Technohack-2026,” dedicated to mathematical and CFD modeling. The final took place in a hybrid format: part of the participants defended their projects on-site Novosibirsk State University in Akademgorodok, some joined online. Out of 195 applications submitted from all corners of the country, five teams reached the finals, who throughout the hackathon solved real engineering problems related to production processes in the petrochemical industry, proposed by SIBUR.
The real challenges of SIBUR: from problem formulation to engineering solution
Each team had to analyze a specific engineering problem encountered by SIBUR in production: multiphase flows, non-Newtonian media, phase transitions, stagnant zones in apparatuses. At the same time, the teams did not have a ready-made solution algorithm: they had to independently determine the approach to the problem, build a computational model, perform calculations, and evaluate the obtained results.
Before announcing the results, the participants were reminded of the question that was raised by Sergey Vladimirovich Antsiferov, specialist of PISH NSU “Cognitive Engineering”: On August 17, the day of the in-person opening, participants were asked why they were here — to participate or to win. Most raised their hands in response to the first option. Looking ahead: it was precisely this mindset — an objective assessment of their work, and not just a focus on “winning” — that the jury later repeatedly called the main outcome of the week.
The participants’ work was evaluated by the jury members:
- Sergey Golovin — director of the Cognitive Engineering Research and Educational Center at NSU, head of the engineering training department, Doctor of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Professor of the Russian Academy of Sciences;
- Vladislav Kanazhevsky — Deputy Director of PISH NSU for Engineering and Technological Activities, Candidate of Physical and Mathematical Sciences;
- Maria Klimova — Head of the “SIBUR Innovations” project;
- Albert Yakhin — chief expert of the modeling center “SIBUR Innovations”;
- Artem Kutushev — head of the modeling center at “SIBUR Innovations.”
Participants were given 15 minutes for their presentation and another 15 minutes for questions from the jury. The jury’s questions became a separate part of the defense: experts thoroughly analyzed each solution, clarifying the logic of the models, the assumptions made, and the boundaries of the calculations’ applicability. The questions sparked especially deep discussions Sergey Golovin: he consistently delved into the details of each project, helping participants reveal the engineering logic behind their decisions.
From the calculation model to the engineering solution
Team 1: Hydrodynamic modeling of the apparatus with a mixing device
The first team to present their work consisted of Olga Tomina (KNITU, Kazan), Violetta Bakarovskaya (NSU), and Alexander Sataev (NSTU/NIIC), who joined the defense online.
The task for the participants was related to modeling the process of mixing and retaining particles within the working volume of the apparatus. The technology for producing a catalyst based on silica gel, which is a critical component for polymer production, was chosen as the foundation. The team developed a computational model, evaluated the operating parameters of the equipment, and verified the obtained results through numerical simulation in ANSYS CFX.
During the defense, the participants explained how they determined the necessary process parameters and which theoretical approaches they used in their work. The calculations were based on classical apparatus design methods, analysis of scientific publications, and modeling of hydrodynamic processes.
One of the key findings of the team was identifying zones of insufficient mixing in the apparatus. Based on the simulation results, the participants proposed to modify the design of the mixing device—to use an eight-blade agitator with differently oriented blades, which would reduce the impact of stagnant zones and improve particle distribution.
Experts thoroughly analyzed the team’s solution, asking questions about the choice of the model, calculation accuracy, and possible directions for further project development. In particular, participants noted that given additional time, they would have performed more detailed calculations on the non-stationary model, expanded the literature review, and conducted a deeper comparison of the modeling results.
The jury paid special attention to how well the team understands the limitations of their own solution. The experts’ questions helped the participants demonstrate not only the final result but also the entire engineering process — from problem formulation to analysis of the obtained data.
Team 4: Microfluidic reactor for modeling catalyst synthesis processes
One of the most technologically challenging tasks of the hackathon was the development of a microfluidic reactor model. The team of Andrey Guskov-Filippov (RTU MIREA, MHTHT), Alena Kozyurina (NSU, MMF), Vladislav Malkin (SPB Mining University), Varvara Zavolokina (NSU), Zakhar Vcherashniy (FGAOU VO SPbPU), and other participants who joined online, studied the processes occurring inside microchannels and proposed an approach to modeling the formation of catalyst particles. Following the defense, this team won first place.
The participants worked on the task of modeling a microfluidic device, in which the processes of mixing, flow movement, and the formation of spherical droplets play an important role.
During the work, the team developed a computational model and studied the behavior of flows in the microchannel. During the presentation, the participants provided a detailed explanation of the chosen modeling approaches, the assumptions used, and the limitations of the obtained results.
One of the main questions for the experts was the applicability of the model for further practical use: how accurate the obtained calculations can be considered and whether it is possible to move from a computational model to manufacturing a real device.
Participants noted that for the further development of the project, it is necessary to conduct more detailed modeling of the entire device geometry, as well as to additionally study the impact of various channel design options. According to them, within the limited time of the hackathon, it was possible to obtain a working model, but further development of the project will require additional calculations.
The jury paid special attention to teamwork. Answering the question Maria Klimova Regarding the team’s strengths, the participants emphasized the importance of interaction within the group: it was precisely the distribution of roles and collaborative work that helped to tackle the complex engineering challenge.
Team 5: Device with a stirring mechanism for a high-viscosity medium
The fifth team worked on a task related to modeling processes in a device with a mixing apparatus. The team included Anastasia Rychkova (MSU, Faculty of Chemistry), Anna Vasilievskaya (ITMO Master’s program), and Andrey Yamov (graduate of MSU Faculty of Mechanics and Mathematics).
Participants needed to study the operation of the apparatus with a high-viscosity medium and assess the impact of mixing on the distribution of parameters within the equipment. The industrial process selected was the technology for producing PTFE engineering plastic, which is critically important in many industrial sectors.
The team used the Bingham fluid model and conducted numerical simulations, comparing the results with data from scientific sources. One of the stages of the work was to verify the correctness of the chosen approach: the participants compared the calculation results with published data and used the obtained results for further analysis.
During the defense, the experts thoroughly analyzed the choice of the model and the significance of its parameters. The jury’s questions were aimed at understanding how well the participants grasped the physical meaning of the coefficients used and the limitations of their approach.
The team noted that additional time would have allowed for a deeper study of the system’s behavior, expanded calculations, and a more detailed analysis of the obtained results.
Team 2: Multiphase modeling of the sparging process
After the break, the team working on the task of gas purification from hydrogen sulfide presented their results. This process is not just a technological operation, but a critically important stage ensuring safety and economic efficiency for many productions in the oil and gas and chemical industries.
The participants — Ivan Mayor (NSTU), Elizaveta Bakalyagina (RTU MIREA), and Liliya Minushkina (NSU) — faced the task of modeling the process in a bubble column, a device where gas and liquid phases interact. The team used multiphase modeling approaches and tried to build a computational model of the process.
However, during the work, the participants encountered limitations in time and computational resources: the calculations required significant time, and the model setup proved to be more complex than initially anticipated.
Despite difficulties in obtaining the complete numerical result, the team was able to analyze the problem and formulate conclusions about the further development of the model.
It was precisely the openness of the participants during the discussion of the obtained result that became one of the most memorable moments of the defense. In response to Maria Klimova’s question about the main conclusion after the hackathon, the team noted the need for deeper immersion in the subject area before starting to solve the task.
This answer received expert support: the jury emphasized that the ability to understand the limitations of one’s own solution and analyze errors is an important part of the engineering approach.
Team 3: Study of particle sedimentation in an unmixed tank
The defense was concluded by the team of NSU bachelor’s graduates: Artem Malyarenko, Dmitry Popov, Egor Kazakov, and Lukas Quint. Elmira Vakhitova (KNITU, Kazan), an online participant, also joined the work.
The team investigated a problem related to particle settling in a container and the impact of equipment design on flow distribution. The issue of equipment clogging by particles is widespread across various industries, and effective nitrogen purging directly affects productivity and the quality of final products.
The participants built a computational model of the sedimentation process, used data from scientific publications, and compared the simulation results with analytical estimates.
During the defense, experts asked in detail about the assumptions made, the choice of models, and the practical applicability of the obtained solution.
In response to the question about ways to reduce sediment accumulation in the equipment, the team proposed several options: more efficient operation of the apparatus, as well as modifying the design of the bottom zone to improve flow movement and reduce stagnant areas.
Experts noted the importance of this approach: the participants not only presented the calculation results but also were able to explain the model’s limitations and possible directions for its further development.
Results: who won
After the defenses concluded, the jury withdrew to discuss the results, and the participants were able to socialize in an informal setting during the buffet. The results were announced in reverse order – starting with the participants who did not make it into the top three.
The organizers paid special attention to the team that worked on the task of removing hydrogen sulfide from the gas. Although the participants did not manage to achieve a complete numerical modeling result, the jury noted their honest analysis of the work done and their ability to objectively assess the limitations of their own solution.
4th place The team of NSU graduates, who studied a problem related to particle sedimentation and fluid flow in a container, took this place. Experts noted the quality of the participants’ preparation and emphasized that the team could have claimed a higher position. According to the jury members, the participants should be more confident in presenting their solutions and more assertive in defending their work results in the future.
3rd place was received by the team working on the task of modeling a device with a mixing apparatus for a highly viscous medium. The jury noted the cohesion of the participants and how the team supported each other during the defense.
2nd place The team that presented a solution for modeling a device with a mixing apparatus took the position. Experts noted the depth of the task elaboration and the quality of the engineering analysis.
The winner of the hackathon was the team that developed a microfluidic reactor model for studying catalyst synthesis processes. The jury noted the high level of participants’ preparation, the quality of teamwork, and the ability to bring a complex engineering task to a clear and justified result.
Maria Klimova emphasized that just reaching the final was already a significant achievement for the participants: out of 195 applications, these teams were the ones who received the opportunity to work on the industrial partner’s tasks and present their solutions to the experts.
The organizers also announced a scholarship bonus for the hackathon winners.
What next
Concluding the event, a representative of the Technology Directorate of “SIBUR-Innovations” Artem Kutushev noted that the hackathon became an opportunity to see young specialists interested in developing engineering skills.
According to him, the company regularly searches for and develops specialists in the field of computational modeling, and the hackathon participants demonstrated a high level of training and interest in professional growth. The best participants will be able to continue collaboration with SIBUR through internships, trainee programs, educational projects, and other forms of cooperation.
Director of NSU CIS Sergey Golovin thanked SIBUR for the cooperation and noted the contribution of the organizers and mentors in preparing the participants. Addressing the participants, he emphasized the importance of understanding one’s own areas for growth:
— You now know what you do not know — this is very useful for your further self-education.
Words of thanks were expressed to Ekaterina Bukatina, the hackathon organizer from the PISH NSU side, team mentors, and experts who supported the participants throughout the entire event.
The hackathon concluded with a group photo of the participants, mentors, and jury members. Prior to that was a week of intensive work, project defenses, challenging questions, and team decisions. Ahead of the participants lie new professional opportunities and continued engagement with the industry.
Please take note; This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.