The final regional induction for the 2026 Challenge took place on 3rd March at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,Ho, where 11 finalist teams were officially welcomed into the 2026 GSTEP Challenge. This marked a significant milestone, as the Volta Region joined the challenge for the very first time, expanding GSTEP’s reach and impact to a new region.

The event marked the culmination of the induction phase, bringing together passionate young innovators ready to make an impact. Participants engaged in hands-on sessions covering entrepreneurship, finance and budgeting, intellectual property, and communications, and STEMPlosion. 

During the STEMPlosion session, participants engaged in hands-on problem-solving, including designing functional dustbins using paper card, which allowed them to apply creativity and practical skills.During the entrepreneurship session, teams explored how to pinpoint marketable needs and create practical solutions,while in finance and budgeting, they focused on cost estimation and resource allocation. 

The teams were encouraged to build ideas that are not only innovative but also feasible.The sessions reinforced the idea that innovation is not only creating solutions, but also understanding their value, sustainability, and relevance to real-world problems.

Teams found the experience resourceful and practical, with many noting how the workshops will help them better articulate their ideas. The interactive nature of the sessions allowed teams to build confidence while gaining new perspectives on their projects.

Madam Rosemary Ahiadeke, the GES representative, stated that Volta Region is set to make history, with teams expected to claim all the top positions in this year’s challenge. According to her, the region has always performed strongly in science competitions, so it would be no surprise if they win. She encouraged teachers to support the teams in every way possible to help bring the championship title home.

Teachers, coaches, mentors , and STEM coordinators were also equipped with essential skills to support their teams effectively. Through sessions on leadership and emotional intelligence, they gained insights into how to nurture student growth and maintain motivation throughout the challenge.

The GSTEP induction in the Volta Region marked the start of a new phase, focused on expanding the challenge’s reach and equipping more young people to think creatively and solve problems affecting their various communities.