Awarding STEM ideas
The Big Bang Competition is open to young people aged 11 to 18. They can be in state-funded secondary education or home educated or enter as part of a community group.
Young people attending independent or private schools, colleges or sixth forms are not eligible to enter The Big Bang Competition 2026. However, to support state-funded schools, joint entries can be submitted. Teams can comprise an equal number of independent school/partner state school students, via the state school entry.
Please make sure you are eligible to enter The Competition before you start your entry. Have a look at our rules and eligibility for more details.
The Big Bang Competition will open for entries in the autumn.
I enjoyed the opportunity to work with my friend together on something science-related. Also, doing something STEM outside the class room gave me a sense of self fulfilment and possibly made me enjoy science more as I wasn't doing it out of obligation, but of interest.
— Participant of The Big Bang Competition
81%
of students said entering The Competition made them want to do more STEM activities
20+
winning projects from The Big Bang Competition 2026
58%
of 2026 Competition winners were girls
61%
of Competition projects met our priority schools criteria
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