The journey of the 2026 Ghana Science & Tech Explorer Challenge Prize (GSTEP) officially began in the Greater Accra Region, with 10 finalist teams inducted on 23rd February at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints,Tema. The induction event marked the first of four regional inductions, paving the way for the exciting journey ahead in this year’s challenge.

Bringing together students, teachers, STEM coordinators, coaches, and mentors, the induction was a  welcome session, with an immersive experience designed to prepare participants for the demanding yet rewarding journey of innovation. Through a series of practical group workshops, teams explored key areas such as intellectual property, entrepreneurship, budgeting, and business planning, marketing and communication and STEMPlosion.

A strong emphasis was placed on helping teams  understand that innovation extends beyond building prototypes. They  were encouraged to think critically about ownership, sustainability, and how to communicate their ideas effectively. 

During the Entrepreneurship session, they  learned how to identify problems worth solving and developing sustainable solutions. In marketing and communications, the teams  learnt how to develop a strong brand identity to effectively communicate their solutions with their target audiences.The session highlighted the importance of storytelling in innovation, and how clearly defining a problem, presenting a pragmatic solution, and protecting one’s idea can influence acceptance and adoption. 

Speaking at the event, Madam Berthy Buah, the GES representative, urged the teams to give their best and ensure the region holds on to the championship in 2026. “All teachers here must do their best for the teams to be part of the winning teams,” she added.

Facilitators, mentors, coaches and STEM Coordinators were engaged in capacity-building sessions, focusing on leadership, project management, and emotional intelligence. These sessions aim to strengthen the support system around each team, ensuring that students are guided effectively throughout the challenge.