What will your students discover, design or develop this year?
We’re inviting young people aged 11 to 18 to think big, follow their curiosity and turn a great idea into a STEM project. The Big Bang Competition gives students the chance to explore issues they care about, tackle real-world challenges and show what they can do. Enter by Friday 12 March 2027 at 4pm.
Big ideas can start anywhere. Students might improve everyday life, help protect the environment, explore new technologies or make a scientific discovery of their own. Whatever captures their imagination, The Big Bang Competition encourages them to ask questions, investigate problems and develop creative solutions.
The Competition is open to young people aged 11 to 18 in state-funded secondary education, those who are home educated, and community groups. It welcomes projects on any STEM topic that sparks curiosity and imagination, and students can enter individually or as part of a team.
It’s not just about the finished project. Along the way, participants can build confidence and develop problem-solving, teamwork, communication and critical-thinking skills. Every entrant receives feedback from STEM professionals, helping them learn, grow and celebrate what they’ve achieved.
Students can submit a written entry or a video entry of up to 6 minutes, supported by up to 6 additional items such as drawings, photographs, diagrams or models. Every project should also show that entrants have considered its potential impact on people, communities and the environment.
Top awards include UK Young Scientist of the Year, UK Young Engineer of the Year, and UK Young Technologist of the Year, supported by Siemens. Special awards celebrate achievement across a range of STEM themes, and all winners will be announced at The Big Bang Fair, returning to the NEC in Birmingham in June 2027.
Parents, carers and teachers can submit projects on behalf of young people. So, whether an idea is just taking shape or already well underway, now is a great time to get involved.
Not sure where to start? The free Big Bang Challenge offers step-by-step guidance to help students create and develop a STEM project that can be entered into The Competition.
Ready to get involved?
Find out more about who can enter and how to submit a project.
We're so excited to open The Big Bang Competition for another year. Every project represents young people's curiosity, creativity and hard work, and it's always so inspiring to see the ideas they choose to explore. Through The Competition, young people can follow their interests, develop confidence in important skills and reflect on their project journey. We can't wait to discover their ideas and celebrate everything they've achieved.
— Amy Lawrence, Careers and Competition Manager
