A sustainable Formula One helmet, an automated pill dispenser and an eco-friendly water filter are just some of the impressive and diverse student projects through to the final round in this year’s
Big Bang UK Young Scientist and Engineers Competition. Almost 1,000 youngsters aged 11 to 18 from across the UK have entered this year’s competition and just over 100 projects have been shortlisted from hundreds of entries. Judging rounds will now take place over the next few weeks to determine who the winners are.
Up for grabs is the coveted
Big Bang UK Young Engineer, Big Bang UK Young Scientist and Big Bang UK Young Technologist of the Year awards, (Siemens is supporting the technologist category). The winners of these categories will be awarded a prize of £1,000. The full list of entries are themed in the following areas: access and inclusivity; AI and smart technology; computer science, robotics and electronics; health, medicine and wellbeing; materials and textiles; and sustainability and environment.
Mark Wood, social sustainability lead at
Siemens Great Britain and Ireland, said: “The
Big Bang Competition is an opportunity for aspiring designers, technologists, engineers and problem solvers to showcase their ideas using science, technology, engineering, and maths to improve our lives. As digitalisation becomes more crucial and sustainable living more important, the ideas from our young people are inspiring, limitless, and practical. Each year, I am amazed by the brilliant ideas and genuine passion they demonstrate.”
Winners of the
Big Bang Competition, will be announced at
The Big Bang Fair at the NEC in Birmingham from 17 to 19 June 2025. The annual event is the largest celebration of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) for young people aged 10 to 13 in the UK. Through hands-on activities, incredible shows and career panels, the fair inspires students about the diverse careers in STEM.
Phil McShane, associate director of
The Big Bang programme, said: “Once again, we have been blown away by the volume of entries which is up from last year, and the levels of creativity and innovation of the projects. Also, it is fantastic to see so many entries – 61% - from under-represented state schools. I know our judges are extremely excited to get going on the judging – but they will have their work cut out, as it is not going to be an easy task with such impressive and high quality entries.”