What is the GSTEP Challenge?

    The Ghana Science and Tech Explorer Prize (GSTEP) Challenge is a unique opportunity for young people to learn more about innovation, entrepreneurship and Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). It presents a new and exciting way for young people to engage with Science and Technology through practical learning, developing skills such as problem-solving, presentation skills, communication, teamwork and entrepreneurship skills.

    The GSTEP Challenge provides all of the resources to take part, including lesson plans to support the application process, and additional training and mentorship for finalist teams.

    Application Forms

    EDITABLE APPLICATION FORM

    You will need to make your submissions on the online application form. However, we highly recommend you draft your applications in this editable form before making your online submissions. This form is ready to download now.

    online application form

    Apply to the GSTEP Challenge by 10th November 2025! Only online applications will be accepted. Applications are now open!

    Stages of the Challenge

    You can see the breakdown of the seven (7) stages below:

    (Scroll to see all)

    Application stage
    (15th September - 10th November 2025)
    Teams of 4-6 JHS students in the Greater Accra, Ashanti, Eastern and Volta regions can apply to the GSTEP Challenge. Student teams must be supported by an adult representative.
    Semi - Finalist stage
    ( December 2025 - February 2026)
    Semi-finalist teams will receive mentorship and resources to develop minimum viable products, with 60 teams selected to advance to the finalist stage based on evaluations by expert judges.
    Pitching and Judging stage
    (May 2026)
    The finalist teams will have the opportunity to pitch their ideas, business plans and demonstrate their working prototypes in front of a team of expert judges
    Homecoming
    (August - September 2026)
    Schools of all category winners receive STEM materials to improve the learning experience and outcomes in the schools
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    Assessment
    (November 2025)
    A team of expert judges will pick 140 semi-finalist teams from the Greater Accra, Ashanti and Eastern regions.
    Finalist stage
    (March - May 2026)
    Finalist teams will receive tailored materials, seed funding, and industry engagement opportunities, including visits and ongoing support from their mentors and coaches. They are expected to complete their business plans and final prototypes during this development phase.
    Exhibition & Awards Ceremony
    (July 2026)
    All finalist teams will showcase their prototypes to the general public at an exhibition. A prestigious awards ceremony will be held to celebrate finalists, recognize outstanding teams and announce winners of the Challenge.

    The Themes

    Live Healthier

    Providing people with what they need to lead happy and healthy lives, including physical health and mental wellbeing.

    Live Greener

    Protecting the environment and saving the planet’s resources.

    Live Together

    Tackling social issues and helping people to live better together.

    You can read more about this year’s themes in our Introduction Pack.

    Introduction Pack

    Resources

    There are lots of supporting materials available to help you to submit your application. These include:

    A Teacher Guide

    The Eligibility Criteria

    The Judging Criteria

    Lesson Plans

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    ACCESS ALL RESOURCES

    Eligibility Criteria

    You can apply if you:

    • Attend a Junior High School (JHS)
    • Live in the Greater Accra, Ashanti, Eastern region or Volta
    • Have a team of 4-6 students
    • Are being supported by an adult representative
    see full eligibility criteria

    Judging Criteria

    The ideas will be assessed against the criteria below:

    Category
    Description
    Impact
    Have the team clearly explained the problem they are trying to solve? Is this a problem that needs solving?
    Innovation
    Is the project an innovative idea that uses Science and Technology in a new way?
    Enterprising
    Have the team clearly explained the steps they would need to take to turn their idea into a reality? Is the idea feasible?
    Teamwork
    Have the team worked together effectively?
    Communication
    Do the team have a clear plan for marketing and promoting their idea to their target audience?
    Health, Safety & Environmental Concerns
    Have the team thought about how they would make their idea safe?
    see full judging criteria