Otis Launches Sixth Year of Made to Move Communities™ STEM Challenge with Focus on Natural Disaster Resilience
As natural disasters grow in both frequency and intensity worldwide, the need for innovative solutions to protect and support communities has never been more urgent. Recognizing this challenge, Otis (NYSE: OTIS), the world’s leading manufacturer, installer, and servicer of elevators and escalators, has kicked off the sixth edition of its flagship social impact program, Made to Move Communities™. This year’s program will see students applying artificial intelligence (AI) and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) skills to create mobility solutions that can help communities and first responders prepare for, respond to, and recover from natural disasters.
Randi Tanguay, Chief Communications Officer at Otis, explained the reasoning behind the 2025 focus:
“We’ve all witnessed the destruction natural disasters can have on families, communities, public infrastructure and cities. Our hope is that this challenge will resonate directly with students and inspire them to see the power of STEM-based solutions to mitigate these challenges and build more resilient communities – all while developing skills and potentially shaping their future careers.”
This year, more than 200 students from 25 schools across 18 countries and territories will take part in the program. They will be guided by over 150 Otis mentors, who will provide professional insights, technical expertise, and encouragement as teams work through their ideas.
What is the Made to Move Communities™ Program?
Launched in 2020, Made to Move Communities is Otis’ global student challenge designed to inspire innovative, STEM-driven solutions to mobility challenges around the world. The program reflects Otis’ commitment to preparing the next generation of problem-solvers while also giving back to the communities where it operates.
The structure of the program ensures that students not only learn, but also compete in a way that mirrors real-world innovation challenges:
- Identifying Challenges – Students investigate how pressing issues such as natural disasters, accessibility barriers, or demographic changes affect movement in their communities.
- Developing Solutions – Guided by Otis mentors, teams design solutions that address mobility needs, improve safety, and strengthen resilience.
- Regional Competitions – Each participating school presents its ideas to a panel of Otis judges. Winners are selected within each Otis region.
- Global Finals – Regional winners advance to a global round, where one school is ultimately named the overall champion.
- STEM Education Grants – Every school receives funding to further STEM education, ranging from $7,500 to $35,000, based on team performance and results.
Building a Pipeline of Future Talent
One of the defining strengths of the Made to Move Communities program is its ability to not only inspire young minds but also create pathways into meaningful careers. A powerful example comes from Uruguay, where Agustín, once a high school student in the program, is now employed as an Otis mechanic in Punta del Este.
Agustín’s journey was supported by his mentor, Miguel C., Operations Manager at the local Otis branch. Having recognized Agustín’s curiosity and potential during the program, Miguel encouraged him to apply when a position opened. Today, Agustín is a living example of how exposure to STEM challenges and mentorship can lead to real employment opportunities and long-term career growth.
Miguel reflected on this success story:
“This is how we can empower others, foster innovation, and build a brighter future together.”
Agustín now encourages other students to take part in the challenge:
“To other schools and students thinking about joining Made to Move Communities, I’d say go for it. It’s not only going to help you grow – it’ll also develop your empathy, teamwork and problem-solving skills.”
Global Impact of the Program
Since its launch, the program has had measurable global impact:
- More than 950 Otis colleagues have served as mentors.
- Over 1,000 students have participated.
- Nearly 100 STEM education grants have been awarded.
- Over $1.25 million in funding has been delivered to schools worldwide.
These figures demonstrate not only Otis’ commitment to corporate social responsibility but also the scalability of the initiative in promoting education, innovation, and community resilience.
Why Focus on Natural Disasters in 2025?
Each year, Otis selects a theme aligned with global challenges and business priorities. Previous themes have addressed accessibility, aging populations, and emerging technologies. For the 2025–2026 school year, the theme focuses on natural disasters, given their rapidly increasing threat to global safety and mobility.
According to international data, the past 50 years have seen the frequency of natural disasters increase at least five-fold, while their severity has also grown. Beyond physical destruction, these events disrupt human mobility—displacing populations, straining emergency response systems, and exposing vulnerable communities to further risks. By challenging students to explore AI- and STEM-driven responses, Otis hopes to generate innovative ideas that could one day support communities worldwide.
