A total of 105 semi-finalist teams have been inaugurated to participate in the 2025 Ghana Science and Tech Explorer Prize (GSTEP) Challenge, a flagship initiative aimed at nurturing innovative and STEM-powered ideas among Ghanaian youth.
The regional breakdown of teams features 42 from the Ashanti Region, 26 from the Eastern Region, and 37 from the Greater Accra Region. Each team will receive dedicated support from 45 business mentors and 45 technical coaches, ensuring they are guided throughout the challenge stages.
This year, the semi-finalist teams are tasked with creating mini-prototypes of their STEM-powered project ideas to qualify for the final stage of the competition. The induction ceremonies held across all three regions introduced the participants to the tools and resources they will need to bring their visions to life. These activities are designed to enhance their technical expertise, entrepreneurial skills, and ability to present their ideas effectively.
Speaking at the Ashanti Region induction ceremony, GSTEP Founder Constance Agyemang underscored the competition’s commitment to fostering innovation, teamwork, and practical problem-solving among students.
“The goal is to bring children together to celebrate their success as semi-finalists and prepare them for the journey ahead. GSTEP continues to serve as a beacon for nurturing the next generation of innovators in Ghana, inspiring them to create a brighter future through science, technology, and collaboration,”
Similarly, Susanna Hausmann, Cities Portfolio Lead for Fondation Botnar, funders of the GSTEP Challenge highlighted the potential of the youth to drive transformative change when provided with the right platforms.
“GSTEP is one such initiative, enabling youth to learn, create, and grow. It’s not just about the process; it’s about the impact and the meaningful change these young innovators will inspire,” she said.
At the Eastern Region ceremony, Regional Director of Education Mrs. Ivy Asantewaa Owusu commended GSTEP for its instrumental role in shaping the future of STEM in Ghana. Addressing the teams, she encouraged creativity and determination while urging her region to strive for success.
“This challenge equips our young learners with the skills and mindset to tackle real-world challenges. To my Eastern Region teams, your journey embodies the future of STEM in Ghana. I am confident you will excel and bring the ultimate prize home this year,” she affirmed.
The induction events also showcased a unique mentoring strategy where business and technical coaches trained teams to bridge the gap between invention and commercialisation. Prince Oduro, a business mentor from the Greater Accra Region, emphasised the importance of equipping students with the skills needed to navigate business challenges.
“Our focus is to guide these students to understand how the market works. Being an inventor is different from being a businessperson. We will teach them how to meet investors and market their products effectively,” he said in an engagement with the media.
To assist with the development of prototypes, teams were provided with STEM kits that will serve as the foundation for their Minimum Viable Products (MVPs). The GSTEP Consortium took the semifinalist teams through interactive workshops and team-building activities to encourage collaboration and problem-solving skills among participants.
Teams that do not advance to the finalist stage will still have the opportunity to participate in the GSTEP Perseverance Awards Programme, enabling them to further refine their prototypes and stand the chance of winning the ‘Perseverance Team’ award at the GSTEP Exhibition & Awards Ceremony to be held later this year.
https://www.gstep.org.gh/the-gstep-challenge-perseverance-awards-programme-all-you-need-to-know/
Through hands-on STEM engagement, the Ghana Science & Tech Explorer Prize Challenge is shaping the next generation of STEM innovators, equipping them to tackle community challenges and create lasting solutions.
