Introduction
The International STEM Youth Innovation Competition is an event for students aged 9-21, organised by the British International Education Association (BIEA). It aims to raise the level of technological enthusiasm among students from all over the world as well as to stimulate students' passion for science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). The competition builds bridges between science, technological innovation, education, and young people across a variety of industries. The competition is held every summer with a new science and innovation theme picked every year.
The first event took place in 2018 and was only open to British students with the theme of creating a drone for a rescue situation. From across the UK, more than 2,000 schools participated, comprising of almost every type of school imaginable. The 2018 finals were held in June at the Big Bang Fair South East.
2019 was our first international competition, with student teams from around the world taking part to design and develop drones in the battle of protecting wild and endangered animals. The 2019 final was held in the UK in July, at the RAF Museum in London.
The Born Free Foundation was an official partner of BIEA in 2019, with special thanks also going to the Independent Association of Prep Schools (IAPS).
The 2020 competition theme was Save Our Shores (SOS) - STEM (Stop) the Tide of Plastic Pollution. Teams from 60 countries took part in designing solutions that could stop plastic waste from inland reaching the ocean. Due to the pandemic, the competition was held online with a virtual award ceremony. BIEA also introduced the first-ever University STEM Challenge for those aged over 18 and in higher education, the submission guideline required university students to combine STEM with business and come up with sustainable business plans to reduce plastic waste in their local community.
We received special support from leading waster pollution charity Thames21, providing background information and resources about plastic pollution in rivers.
