The highly anticipated Ghana Science & Tech Explorer Prize (GSTEP) Challenge 2025 was officially launched on October 14, 2024, marking another significant step in the drive to empower the next generation of Ghanaian innovators. The virtual launch event drew participation from key stakeholders, including representatives from the Ministry of Education, the Ghana Education Service (GES), regional and district Directors of Education, STEM and ICT coordinators, and heads of Junior High Schools. The event also welcomed the consortium of GSTEP partners, comprising DreamOval Foundation, the Partnership Bureau, Shulem Lake, and Practical Education Network (PEN).
During the ceremony, the GSTEP 2025 application portal was declared open, inviting junior high school students from the Greater Accra, Ashanti, and Eastern Regions to submit their innovative STEM-based solutions to tackle real-world challenges. This year’s theme, “Empowering the Next Generation of STEM Innovators,” is aimed at inspiring Ghana’s youth to harness their potential in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) to create impactful solutions for the nation’s future.
The GSTEP Challenge offers an invaluable platform for students to apply their STEM knowledge to address pressing issues in their communities across sectors like agriculture, healthcare, education, and the environment. The initiative not only fosters creativity and critical thinking but also nurtures future leaders who can drive social and technological transformation.
Delivering the keynote address, Madam Olivia Serwaa Opare, Director of the Science Education Unit at GES, highlighted the pivotal role of STEM in shaping Ghana’s future. She stated, “STEM is a key driver of innovation and progress in today’s world. Through initiatives like GSTEP, we are providing our students with the tools and opportunities to be leaders in this transformation. I urge all students to seize this moment to showcase their talents and make a difference in their communities. The future is in your hands.”
The DreamOval Foundation, which leads the GSTEP consortium of partners, reaffirmed its dedication to fostering the next generation of innovators in Ghana. Afua Oforiwaa Asaimah Adjei, Executive Director of DreamOval Foundation, expressed her optimism about the future of STEM education in Ghana. “At DreamOval Foundation, our mission to equip young minds with the skills, tools, and forward-thinking mindset necessary to tackle real-world challenges drives us to continue the GSTEP Challenge. Over the years, we have witnessed incredible innovations from our young learners, and we look forward to seeing even more groundbreaking ideas showcased this year.”
In his address as a partner for this year’s challenge, Francis Ahene Affoh, co-founder of Partnership Bureau, gave an overview of the GSTEP Challenge and the milestones reached since its inception. He said, “For us at the Partnership Bureau, this is exactly the direction we envision for Ghana’s education system—where our students are not just learning but actively creating and innovating. The average Ghanaian child is inherently creative and resourceful, and initiatives like the GSTEP Challenge provide the perfect platform for them to showcase their talents and drive meaningful change in their communities.”
Also on the 2025 virtual launch was Constance Agyeman, founder of the GSTEP Challenge, In her remarks, she said: “GSTEP was born out of a desire to inspire young people to see the true potential of their STEM education. I founded this challenge because I wanted students to go beyond the classroom, to think critically about the challenges their communities face, and use their knowledge to create real solutions. It’s about empowering them to see that they can be agents of change, using innovation to address the issues they see around them,”
The challenge is made possible through the generous support of Fondation Botnar, which funds the initiative as part of its global mission to foster youth-led innovation. Siddhartha Jha, AI & Digital Innovation Lead at Fondation Botnar, emphasised the foundation’s commitment to empowering young people: “We fund the GSTEP Challenge because we believe in the power of young people to drive innovation and solve real-world problems. By supporting initiatives like GSTEP, we are helping to equip the next generation with the skills and opportunities they need to become leaders and changemakers in their communities and beyond.”
Speeches were also delivered by key representatives from the consortium partners supporting this year’s GSTEP Challenge. Moses Benson, Director of Shulem Lake, highlighted their role in providing STEM kits and resources to assist participants in building innovative prototypes. Dr. Heather Beem, Founder of the Practical Education Network (PEN), shared how their organization will offer essential coaches and mentors to guide students through the challenge. Both speakers emphasized their organizations’ commitment to nurturing young innovators and empowering students to apply STEM knowledge in addressing real-world challenges, underscoring the collaborative effort driving this year’s initiative.
How to Apply for GSTEP 2025
Junior high school students (ages 11-16) in the Greater Accra, Ashanti, and Eastern Regions are encouraged to apply in teams with the guidance of their teachers and STEM coordinators. The application process is designed to be user-friendly and accessible, with a wealth of resources available to support students at every stage of the challenge.
Keren Arkoh, Project Manager at DreamOval Foundation, walked attendees through the application process, emphasising that all necessary information can be found on the GSTEP website. The deadline for submissions is November 11, 2024. Successful teams will have the opportunity to present their innovative solutions at the grand exhibition and awards ceremony next year, where the most impactful projects will be awarded. To apply, students and educators can visit the GSTEP Application Portal and access supporting resources.
Why Participate?
Participating in the GSTEP Challenge offers young learners a unique opportunity to:
– Apply STEM skills to real-world problems.
– Receive mentorship from STEM experts and educators.
– Present their innovations on a national platform.
– Compete for awards and recognition for their groundbreaking ideas.
The Ghana Science & Tech Explorer Prize (GSTEP) is an initiative aimed at cultivating STEM talent among young learners in Ghana. The challenge encourages students to think critically, collaborate, and develop solutions that address real-world challenges, fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship. GSTEP is funded by Fondation Botnar and implemented by a consortium of partners, comprising DreamOval Foundation, the Partnership Bureau, Shulem Lake, and Practical Education Network (PEN).