What is the GSTEP Challenge?

The Ghana Science and Tech Explorer Prize (GSTEP) Challenge is a unique opportunity for young people to learn more about innovation, entrepreneurship and Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). It presents a new and exciting way for young people to engage with Science and Technology through practical learning, developing skills such as problem-solving, presentation skills, communication, teamwork and entrepreneurship skills.

The GSTEP Challenge provides all of the resources to take part, including lesson plans to support the application process, and additional training and mentorship for finalist teams.

Application Forms

You will need to make your submissions on the online application form. However, we highly recommend you draft your applications in this editable form before making your online submissions. This form is ready to download now.

Apply to the GSTEP Challenge by 18th November 2024! Only online applications will be accepted. Applications are now open!

Stages of the Challenge

You can see the breakdown of the seven (7) stages below:

(Scroll to see all)

Application stage
(14th October - 18th November 2024)
Teams of 4-6 JHS students in the Greater Accra, Ashanti and Eastern regions can apply to the GSTEP Challenge. Student teams must be supported by an adult representative.
Semi - Finalist stage
( January - February 2025)
Semi-finalist teams will receive mentorship and resources to develop minimum viable products, with 45 teams selected to advance to the finalist stage based on evaluations by expert judges.
Pitching and Judging stage
(June 2025)
The finalist teams will have the opportunity to pitch their ideas, business plans and demonstrate their working prototypes in front of a team of expert judges
Homecoming
(September 2025)
Schools of all category winners receive STEM materials to improve the learning experience and outcomes in the schools
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Assessment
(November - December 2024)
A team of expert judges will pick 105 semi-finalist teams from the Greater Accra, Ashanti and Eastern regions.
Finalist stage
(March - May 2025)
Finalist teams will receive tailored materials, seed funding, and industry engagement opportunities, including visits and ongoing support from their mentors and coaches. They are expected to complete their business plans and final prototypes during this development phase.
Exhibition & Awards Ceremony
(July 2025)
All finalist teams will showcase their prototypes to the general public at an exhibition. A prestigious awards ceremony will be held to celebrate finalists, recognize outstanding teams and announce winners of the Challenge.

The Themes

Live Healthier

Providing people with what they need to lead happy and healthy lives, including physical health and mental wellbeing.

Live Greener

Protecting the environment and saving the planet’s resources.

Live Together

Tackling social issues and helping people to live better together.

You can read more about this year’s themes in our Introduction Pack.

Eligibility Criteria

You can apply if you:

  • Attend a Junior High School (JHS)
  • Live in the Greater Accra, Ashanti or Eastern region
  • Have a team of 4-6 students
  • Are being supported by an adult representative

Judging Criteria

The ideas will be assessed against the criteria below:

Category
Description
Impact
Have the team clearly explained the problem they are trying to solve? Is this a problem that needs solving?
Innovation
Is the project an innovative idea that uses Science and Technology in a new way?
Enterprising
Have the team clearly explained the steps they would need to take to turn their idea into a reality? Is the idea feasible?
Teamwork
Have the team worked together effectively?
Communication
Do the team have a clear plan for marketing and promoting their idea to their target audience?
Risk Factors
Have the team thought about how they would make their idea safe?

Resources

There are lots of supporting materials available to help you to submit your application. These include:

A Teacher Guide

The Eligibility Criteria

The Judging Criteria

Lesson Plans

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)