Applications for the 2026 edition of the Ghana Science & Tech Explorer Challenge Prize (GSTEP) officially open on 15th September 2025, inviting junior high school students across Greater Accra, Ashanti, Eastern, and the newly added Volta Region to submit their innovative ideas that use science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) to solve real-world problems in their communities.

This year marks a significant milestone as GSTEP expands into the Volta Region as part of our commitment to making practical STEM learning accessible nationwide. The expansion builds on the success of the past four years, during which the Challenge has inspired thousands of students to design creative prototypes, strengthened STEM teaching in schools, and mobilized communities to support young innovators.

What’s New in 2026
  • Regional Expansion: For the first time, schools in the Volta Region will join the Challenge, taking GSTEP closer to its vision of becoming a truly national programme.
  • Hybrid Semi-Finalist Stage: To ensure broader participation and accessibility, the semi-finalist stage will now run in a hybrid format, combining virtual and in-person learning.
  • More Opportunities: 140 semi-finalist teams will be selected from applications, and 60 finalist teams will advance to showcase their prototypes at the 2026 Exhibition and Awards Ceremony.
Why Apply?

By joining GSTEP, students and teachers gain access to:

  • Coaching & Mentorship: Each team is paired with a business mentor and technical coach to guide them through prototype design and business planning.
  • Industry Exposure: Finalists take part in industry visits to experience STEM in action.
  • Soft Skills Development: From public speaking, budgeting, marketing, and emotional intelligence to teamwork, students build skills that prepare them for future careers.
  • Recognition & Prizes: Finalists showcase their prototypes to the public, with the award winners receiving cash prizes, STEM materials, and trophies.
Driving Impact

Since its inception, GSTEP has transformed how students, teachers, and communities view STEM education in Ghana. Over the years, the Challenge engaged over 31,000 students, 1,000 teachers and 500 schools, with over 200 innovative prototypes showcased at the Exhibition and Awards Ceremonies.

As Constance Agyeman, Founder of GSTEP, puts it:

“Expanding to the Volta Region is a step towards taking GSTEP national. We believe that every young Ghanaian should have the opportunity to learn STEM in a practical way, to innovate boldly, and to shape solutions for their communities. GSTEP is about building confidence, curiosity, and the future leaders of Ghana.”

Former Minister for Education, Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum, who has been a strong advocate of the GSTEP challenge encourages more participation;

“The world is going through a phase where technology is driving everything, and that’s why STEM education becomes so important. GSTEP is giving our schools and students the platform to apply their skills, showcase innovation, and even create solutions that can be commercialized to benefit our nation. It’s a challenge every school should embrace, because it prepares our young people for the future.”

Who Can Apply?
  • Junior High School students (JHS 1–2) in Greater Accra, Ashanti, Eastern, and Volta Regions
  • Teams of 4–6 students (ages 11-16) with 1 lead facilitator (teacher)
  • Teams with creative, community-driven ideas that apply STEM principles to solve local challenges
How to Apply

Applications open on 15th September 2025. Schools and teachers can apply through the GSTEP website: www.gstep.org.gh

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