The Ghana Science and Tech Explorer Prize (GSTEP) Challenge has inducted 100 finalist teams from Junior High Schools in the Greater Accra, Eastern and Ashanti regions into the programme.

Each team will be developing an innovative solution to a problem they identified from their communities or society at large using Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).

Induction events were held across the three regions where teams in each region came together to participate in a series of workshops and activities.

The teams, comprising four to 6 members and led by a teacher from their respective schools participated in team building activities, workshops in business plan development, financing and budgeting.

They were also introduced to the concept of prototyping which will enable them to build models of the ideas they will be developing.

As part of the GSTEP programme, the teams will be provided with mentors and technical coaches who will guide them to develop their business plans and assist them with the technical aspects of their projects using STEM.

The mentors and coaches, who are experts in STEM and Business were introduced to their assigned teams during which they engaged with them to understand their various projects and the support their teams will need to develop their ideas.

The GSTEP Challenge is an exciting and innovative programme that encourages Junior High School students to develop practical knowledge and skills in STEM by identifying solutions to problems in their local communities.

This year, schools in the Greater Accra, Eastern and Ashanti regions were encouraged to submit ideas to participate in the Challenge. Over 1,200 entries were submitted out of which 100 were selected to participate in the Challenge.

The teams will participate in a series of mentoring and coaching sessions to give them practical knowledge in STEM and develop their entrepreneurial, communication and presentation skills.

They will also participate in activities and events where they will see practical applications of STEM by industries and institutions.

Upon completion of their projects, they will pitch their ideas to a panel of judges who will select the winners of the Challenge.

The GSTEP Challenge is implemented by a consortium led by DreamOval Foundation including MEST Africa, Foundervine, DEXT Technology and Challenge Works.

The programme is funded by Fondation Botnar, a philanthropic organization that champions the use of AI and digital innovation to improve the well-being of young people.