- TechFest, an Aberdeen charity has launched STEM into Innovation to inspire Scottish students to explore the nation’s deep history in design and manufacturing.
- STEM into Innovation launched with ‘Pioneers of Progress’; an exciting initiative for S1-S2 students to explore the evolution of instant communications and design.
- Following this, TechFest hosted Innovation Masterclasses throughout Scotland with experts from across design, manufacturing and academia. The final ‘Innovation Masterclass’ of the year on Engineering Design and Innovation was hosted by the organisers behind The Hydrogen Grand Prix (H2GP), Horizon Educational.
- Sarah Chew, Managing Director of TechFest, said: “STEM into Innovation ignites curiosity across Scotland, combining cultural heritage with hands-on design and manufacturing.”
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TechFest, an Aberdeen-based charity, has launched the programme ‘STEM into Innovation’ to enhance Edinburgh students’ awareness of innovation processes used within the design and manufacturing sectors.
STEM into Innovation targets secondary school students, offering both in-school tuition and live masterclasses held in Scottish cities. The initiative aims to equip young people with STEM and entrepreneurship skills and knowledge for further academic or STEM careers.
It kicked off with “Pioneers of Progress” in February, an exciting initiative exploring the evolution of instant communications and an introduction to design.
This free programme, which is still available to access via TechFest’s website, is delivered in classrooms through video content accompanied by follow-up challenges that aim to enhance all participating students’ mathematics, writing, design, marketing and teamwork skills.
It is designed for teachers across all subjects, providing a variety of resources for classroom instruction from TechFest, such as student activity booklets and interviews with industry professionals.
Sarah Chew, Managing Director of TechFest, said: “STEM into Innovation taps into Scotland’s rich design and manufacturing heritage, equipping students with the skills and mindset to become Scotland’s next STEM leaders.
“It is a CREST-accredited programme that empowers students to unlock their full STEM potential, strengthens their CVs and UCAS applications while equipping them with the skills and mindset needed to bridge the industry skills gap.
“STEM into Innovation is committed to creating greater diversity and equality through encouraging more young people to consider a career in the engineering or science industries.”
TechFest delivered a range of masterclasses for students as part of STEM into Innovation, where students could roll up their sleeves and dive into hands-on product design.
The masterclasses were held in Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Dundee, and provided an opportunity for young people to gain insights on entrepreneurship and product development from industry professionals.
A masterclass conducted by Horizon Educational, organisers of the Hydrogen Grand Prix (H2GP), concluded the 2024 programme on the 23rd of November with a focus on engineering design and innovation.
Tobias Lundsgaard, Product Development Manager at Horizon Educational said: “Being able to bridge the gap between the products we develop in our R&D centre and the students we serve has been an invaluable aspect of TechFest’s STEM into Innovation programme.
“Getting to know these students – and being able to give them a glimpse into my own process of product development has reminded me of why I chose to pursue a career at Horizon Educational: to help build future leaders with a passion for STEM and Conscious design.”
Other masterclasses were held across Scotland including Edinburgh, which was presented by The National Robotarium.
A parent who attended the National Robotarium masterclass with her child said: ‘‘I would like to thank TechFest for organising these opportunities for the kids.
“My child had such a great day yesterday at Herriot-Watt University with his friend attending the National Robotarium. It was a long drive but so worth it when you see the enthusiasm they come away with about all they have seen and learnt. ”
STEM into Innovation was designed to equip students with in-demand entrepreneurial skills for employers and higher education institutions, enhancing their academic and career prospects in STEM fields.
This CREST-accredited programme: Pioneers of Progress runs throughout the academic year, alongside all other STEM into Innovation events and will continue to be available in the next school year, offering students ongoing opportunities to engage with STEM.
Following the success STEM into Innovation, next academic year, TechFest will host a cross-curricular design project for secondary school pupils to build on their previous programme experiences.