BIEA International STEM Competition 2027
Challenge your pupils to tackle overfishing through STEM. They'll develop the skills to become the environmental innovators of the future.
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Overview
Inspire your pupils to tackle a real-world environmental challenge through the BIEA International STEM Youth Innovation Competition 2027.
Open to students aged 6 to 18, the competition challenges teams to develop creative STEM solutions to global issues. 2027's theme, ‘Ocean balance – innovating to end overfishing’, asks pupils to explore ways to protect our oceans and our marine life.
Working in teams of 3 to 5, pupils use science, technology, engineering and maths to research, design and develop their ideas. Along the way they build creativity, critical thinking, teamwork and problem-solving skills through an engaging, hands-on STEM project.
Pupils will also discover career opportunities in marine science, environmental engineering, technology and sustainability. They'll benefit from engaging with STEM professionals, academics and industry experts. Plus there are opportunities to get feedback, gain international recognition and showcase their innovations.
The competition welcomes pupils of all backgrounds and abilities, including those with special educational needs and disabilities.
Initial project reports are due in by 31 January 2027, with finalists announced in February/March. The International Final and Showcase will take place in London on 6 and 7 July 2027.
Suitable for classroom enrichment, STEM clubs and extracurricular activities.
Details
- School subject
-
- Design and technology
- Maths
- Science
- Engineering
- Curriculum links
-
- England primary science curriculum: Animals, including humans
- England primary science curriculum: Living things and their habitats
- England primary science curriculum: Everyday materials
- England primary science curriculum: Uses of everyday materials
- Working scientifically
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- Asking questions
- Making predictions
- Setting up tests
- Observing and measuring
- Recording data
- Interpreting and communicating results
- Evaluating
- Group size
- Small groups, Whole class, Whole year group, Whole school
- Participation level
- Hands-on
- Duration
- Multi-session - flexible
- Dates
- 8 October 2026 – 31 March 2027
- Cost
- Free
UK pupils also receive a BIEA STEM Star Certificate for free.
- Location
-
In-school
- UK-wide
Learning outcomes
- Improve engagement, interest or enjoyment in STEM subjects
- Improve awareness and aspirations for STEM-related study and careers
Frameworks
EqualEx
The equalex framework allows educators to embed meaningful workplace experiences within a progressive whole school careers programme.
- Investigate and Explore
- Apply and Demonstrate
Provider access legislation
- First key phase
Enrichment framework
- 5 - An accessible and engaging enrichment offer
