The 2026 Ghana Science and Tech Explorer Challenge Prize (GSTEP) brought together 60 brilliant Junior High School teams from across the four participating Regions; Greater Accra, Ashanti, Eastern, and Volta Regions showcasing remarkable creativity, resilience, and STEM ingenuity of Ghana’s young innovators.
From over 755 initial applicants, 60 finalist teams were selected through a rigorous evaluation process:
Ashanti Region: 23 teams
Eastern Region: 16 teams
Volta Region: 11 teams
Greater Accra Region: 10 teams
Following their induction into the finalist stage in March, these teams embarked on a transformative three-month journey. Guided by dedicated Business Mentors and Technical Coaches provided by the GSTEP Consortium, the students refined their ideas, built functional prototypes, and developed comprehensive business strategies using frameworks like the Business Model Canvas and Team Canvas.
Throughout this stage, teams participated in hands-on STEM workshops and gained real-world insights through industry visits to key facilities, including the Akosombo Dam, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Blue Skies, and the Accra Compost and Recycling Plant. These field experiences gave students a firsthand look at how science and technology address critical challenges in engineering, waste management, agriculture, and biomedical sciences.
With functional prototypes complete and business models sharpened, the teams presented their inventions at the 2026 GSTEP Pitching and Judging events across all four regions. Their projects demonstrated a strong grasp of academic concepts alongside practical problem-solving, community engagement, and entrepreneurial vision.
The journey culminated at the 2026 GSTEP Exhibition and Awards Ceremony, held on July 9–10, 2026, at the Cedi Conference Hall, at the UNIVERSITY of GHANA in Accra, where all 60 teams exhibited their innovations and competed for national recognition
Eastern Region Teams
Cool Tech Innovators is a team from M/A Crig JHS in the Abuakwa North Municipal District. Their invention is an arduino-based cooling system that uses solar and battery power to safely store vaccines in deprived communities, featuring a mobile app for alerts and inventory tracking.
Ecomatter Engineers is a team from Riis Presbyterian Model Basic School A in the New Juaben South Municipal Assembly. Their invention is an innovative solution that turns plastic waste and sawdust into durable construction bricks. It uses the melted plastic waste as a binder to make the bricks water-resistant.
Neo Med is a team from M/A Crig JHS in the Abuakwa North Municipal District. Their invention is an automated IV monitoring system. The device uses a weight sensor to monitor fluid flow and continuously alerts healthcare staff via Wi-Fi and a buzzer when intervention is required.
P2P - Plastic Pioneers Gh is a team from Asafo Methodist Basic School in the Abuakwa South Municipal District. Their invention is Eco Roof Patch, a tough, waterproof, and elastic material. The solution is produced by heating and mixing recycled plastic waste, styrofoam, and dry sieve sand to effectively patch leaking roofs.
Replastix Team is a team from Okroase M/A Experimental Basic School in the Suhum Municipal District. Their invention is to recycle plastic waste to create strong, useful pavement blocks. The system works by melting plastic and mixing it with sand, utilizing an Arduino-based temperature monitoring system for safety.
Roverbot Team is a team from Kukurantumi Roman Catholic JHS in the Abuakwa North Municipal District. Their invention is an autonomous robotic sweeping machine. The device is equipped with DC gear motors, wheels, and a sweeping roller with broom bristles to clean school compounds and collect trash.
Royal Dynasty Explorers is a team from Trinity Presby Royal School in the New Juaben South Municipal Assembly. Their invention is a web-based virtual electronics laboratory. The platform allows students to safely build, wire, and test real circuits without physical components, providing instant feedback on errors.
Royal Tech Engineers is a team from Trinity Presbyterian Royal School in the New Juaben South Municipal Assembly. Their invention is an AI-powered crop disease detection web app. The application uses deep learning to instantly diagnose diseases in crops like tomatoes and lettuce from uploaded smartphone photos.
Safedrive Engineers is a team from Suhum M/A Exp. 'B' JHS in the Suhum Municipal District. Their invention is an Alcohol Detector and Starter Interlock device. The device uses sensor to test driver alcohol levels and automatically locks the vehicle's engine if unsafe levels are detected.
Team Elegant is a team from Asokore SDA Demo C in the New Juaben North Municipal Assembly. Their invention is an electronic pill dispenser that manages medication schedules with a real-time clock, alerts patients, and locks to prevent accidental overdosing.
Team Lawrencia is a team from Suhyen M/A Basic in the New Juaben North Municipal Assembly. Their invention is a Crop Protection System. The system integrates an ESP32 camera for 360-degree monitoring, ultrasonic sensors that trigger gunshot sounds to deter intruders, and smart automated irrigation.
Team siron is a team from Akwadum R/C Basic School in the New Juaben North Municipal Assembly. Their invention is a chemical-free Smart Bedbug Killer. The device maintains a lethal temperature of 55-60 degrees Celsius to eliminate bedbugs and their eggs.
Technical Kidz is a team from Asokore SDA Demo C in the New Juaben North Municipal Assembly. Their invention is a robotic gutter vacuum cleaner. The device is designed to autonomously navigate narrow gutters and vacuum up plastic waste and debris to prevent flooding.
The Biology Brigade is a team from Akim-Asafo Presbyterian Basic School in the Abuakwa South Municipal District. Their invention is BioPad, an eco-friendly biodegradable sanitary pad. The product is made from agricultural waste like coconut husks, plantain stems, and sugarcane bagasse blended with antimicrobial aloevera gel.
The Next Generation is a team from Sankubenase RC Basic in the Atiwa West District. Their invention is AquaGuard 3000, a portable water diagnostic device. The device uses an Arduino Uno and an optical color sensor to instantly detect toxic mercury levels caused by illegal mining.
The Science Nerds is a team from Jumapo Methodist Basic School in the New Juaben North Municipal Assembly. Their invention is a Real-Time Sign Language Interpreter device. The device utilizes pressure sensors and an Arduino Nano to translate hand gestures into readable text on an LCD display and audible speech
Ashanti Region Teams
Adansiman STEM Club is a team from Obuasi Junior High School Complex in the Obuasi Municipal District. Their invention is a smart vehicle device designed to provide reliable crash data. The device works via SMS to automatically record road conditions, speed, braking patterns, and sudden impacts.
Eco-Krische is a team from St. Bernadette's R/C JHS in the Old Tafo Municipal District. Their invention consists of environmental monitoring systems for agricultural use. One device checks water turbidity and total dissolved solids, while the other monitors air quality, humidity, and temperature in poultry farms using GSM technology.
Ecotech Innovators is a team from Divine Emmanuel Academy in the Asokwa Municipal District. Their invention is a solar-powered smart dustbin. The device uses ultrasonic sensors to open automatically and features a GSM module to send SMS alerts when the bin is full.
Glory Vel is a team from Glory Vel School in the Oforikrom Municipal District. Their invention is a boarding school safety system. The system integrates touch and health sensors to automate student attendance, track vitals such as temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure, and send alerts to parents or clinics.
Greentech Guardians is a team from Geosaka Model Stem School in the Juaben Municipal District. Their invention is a fully solar-powered, IoT-enabled irrigation system. The device uses soil moisture and temperature sensors to automatically water crops.
Hygienic Smoke is a team from Davis Christian Mission School in the Ejura Sekyedumase Municipal District. Their invention is an automated meat-roasting machine. The device uses a rotating DC motor for uniform cooking, includes ash and oil trays, and features a water-filtered chamber to trap harmful smoke.
Irontech is a team from Agyeikrom D/A Basic School in the Akrofuom District. Their invention is a low-cost, vehicle-mounted pothole detection system. The device combines cameras, an IMU, and GPS to automatically detect and map potholes in real-time for road authorities.
Marine Protectors is a team from St Monica's JHS in the Mampong Municipal District. Their invention is a solar-powered crop dehydrator. The device is made from wood, plastic sheets, and charcoal-painted cardboard to safely and hygienically dry food without contamination.
Mech Harvest is a team from Davis Christian Mission School in the Ejura Sekyedumase Municipal District. Their invention is a mechanical harvester for cowpeas. The device cuts and threshes cowpeas directly on the farm to save time, reduce labor costs, and prevent damage to the grains.
Mechminds is a team from Swift Academy in the Asokwa Municipal District. Their invention is a smart aquaponics farming system. The system combines soil-free plant farming and fish rearing with an AI camera that detects plant diseases, allowing users to bypass polluted galamsey water.
Medisense Ghana is a team from Geosaka Model Stem School in the Juaben Municipal District. Their invention is an IoT and AI-driven diagnostic device. The device scans patient vital signs to predict and diagnose common conditions like malaria and hypertension.
Nextgen Coders is a team from Swift Academy in the Asokwa Municipal District. Their invention is an AI-powered dialysis monitoring system. The device features a dashboard and sensors that automatically stop treatment and sound an alarm if blood leaks or air bubbles are detected.
Pride of Africa is a team from Celestial Hope Educational Complex in the Ahafo Ano South East District. Their invention is an AI-based mental health support app. The application uses voice input to provide a safe, anonymous space for students to express their feelings.
Pulse Mobility is a team from Bonsec Standard School in the Obuasi Municipal District. Their invention is an autonomous smart wheelchair for disabled individuals. The device is equipped with ultrasonic obstacle sensors, wiper motors, an LCD screen, and environmental monitors.
Skillmatch is a team from Ejura M/A Model JHS B in the Ejura Sekyedumase Municipal District. Their invention is a mobile app for local talent and artisans. The application connects them with clients using an integrated GPS system, and features a feedback mechanism and skill training portal.
Team Edusafe is a team from Glorious Holy Child School in the Obuasi Municipal District. Their invention is an inflatable life-saving bag for students traveling by boat. The device automatically deploys air pumps and sends GPS alerts upon detecting deep water.
Team Green Builders is a team from Celestial Hope Educational Complex in the Ahafo Ano South East District. Their invention is a waste-recycling construction machine. The device utilizes microcontrollers and temperature sensors to heat and mold plastic waste and sand into durable, water-resistant construction bricks.
Team Precious is a team from Agona Presby JHS in the Sekyere South District. Their invention is a smart food storage unit. The device is equipped with temperature, humidity, smoke, and light sensors that activate an automated cooling fan to prevent food spoilage.
Technominds is a team from Bonsec Standard School in the Obuasi Municipal District. Their invention is a 3D-printed humanoid AI robot. The device is powered by a Llama API and microcontrollers to act as an educational assistant and help students understand their school subjects.
The Galaxy is a team from Wiamoase SDA JHS in the Sekyere South District. Their invention is an educational mobile application. The platform connects students with qualified tutors for live or offline educational support at an affordable cost.
The Ecochics is a team from St. Bernadette's R/C JHS located in Old Tafo Municipal District.t. Their invention is a Biodegradable kitchenware (plates and bowls) manufactured from agricultural waste like rice husks, sugarcane bagasse, and beeswax to replace disposable plastics.
The Leap Agrovision Robotics is a team from The Leap Schools in the Obuasi Municipal District. Their invention is a smart vegetable sorting robot. The device utilizes a conveyor belt and computer vision color sensors to automatically pick and separate damaged and healthy produce.
The Leap Wim Explorers is a team from The Leap Schools in the Obuasi Municipal District. Their invention is an adaptive educational app. The application uses facial feedback to help students confidently practice reading and spelling at their own pace.
Volta Region Teams
Aether Energy is a team from Dekpor M/A Basic 'B' School in the Ketu North Municipal. Their invention is Aether Light, a mini wind turbine system. The device uses electromagnetic induction to turn the breeze into electricity, storing it in a lithium battery to power LED lights for students studying at night.
Agritech Flyers is a team from Liati Teikrom D/A Basic in the Afadzato South District. Their invention is a drone-supported seed broadcasting system. The device is equipped with a container that evenly releases rice seeds from above, reducing the physical stress and time it takes to plant in marshlands.
Brainy Bunch is a team from Dekpor M/A Basic 'B' School in the Ketu North Municipal. Their invention is the Brainy Bucket, an automated touchless handwashing station. The device utilizes an ultrasonic sensor, an Arduino Nano, and a DC motor water pump to improve hygiene and prevent the spread of germs.
Critical Thinkers is a team from Anfoega Wademaxe D.A Jhs in the North Dayi District. Their invention is a solar grain dryer. The device is equipped with a heating chamber, a cooling system to prevent overheating, and a pulley system to rotate the grains for safe and uniform drying.
Edzoleme is a team from Peki Adzokoe D.A. Junior High in the South Dayi District. Their invention is a Lake Safety Monitoring and Alert System. The system uses water level sensors, weather data, GPS trackers, and an SOS button to send real-time danger alerts to boat users and rescuers via a mobile app and web dashboard.
High Tech Solutions is a team from Wuxor Ma Basic School in the Akatsi South District. Their invention is an electronic tree-climbing coconut harvester. The device uses a robotic cutting arm controlled remotely via a mobile phone or Bluetooth, eliminating the need for farmers to risk fatal falls.
Learners is a team from Bapke D/A Basic in the Ho West District. Their invention is a semi-automated compost processor. The device is equipped with a rotating agitator shaft and temperature feedback to convert agricultural waste into productive organic fertilizer while reducing odors.
Nova Engineers is a team from Dekpor M/A Basic 'B' School in the Ketu North Municipal. Their invention is the Nova Bridge, a floating school pathway. The structure is built with a bamboo walkway and airtight plastic barrels that utilize Archimedes' principle of buoyancy to help students cross flooded streams safely
Stemnovators is a team from Vakpo New Adomi D/A Basic School in the North Dayi District. Their invention is a semi-automated gari frying machine. The device features a control panel and a motorized stirring paddle shaft that continuously mixes wet cassava dough for uniform heating and to prevent clumping and burning.
The Science Whizzes is a team from Alavanyo D/D Ma Jhs in the Hohoe Municipal. Their invention is an egg incubator. The device is equipped with a temperature controller, a cooling fan, and a light bulb to maintain the needed heat and evenly distribute it to successfully hatch 80 to 100 poultry eggs per session.
The Wise Group is a team from Agbedrafor R.C Basic in the Akatsi South District. Their invention is a cassava peeling machine. The device features a feeding hopper, safety grills, and a rotating abrasive drum to safely and quickly remove peels, reducing human effort, food waste, and workplace injuries.
Greater Accra Teams
Stemnovators is a team from Vakpo New Adomi D/A Basic School in the North Dayi District. Their invention is a semi-automated gari frying machine. The device features a control panel and a motorized stirring paddle shaft that continuously mixes wet cassava dough for uniform heating and to prevent clumping and burning.
Family Trade is a team from Arise Educational Foundation in the Ga South Municipal. Their invention is a book trading platform and automated smart drop-off bin. The app or website creates a circular economy for textbook swapping among basic school students.
Gesture Squad is a team from Star Of The Sea R/C Basic School in the Ablekuma West. Their invention is "Signs to Voice," a wearable device. The device features goggles and an ESP32-CAM that captures Ghanaian Sign Language and translates it into audio for hearing individuals.
Greengen is a team from Blessed Clementina R.C JHS in the Ashaiman Municipal. Their invention is a mobile-first web app platform. The platform connects farmers directly to buyers, integrating real-time market pricing, logistics tracking, and secure mobile money payments.
Innovepoch is a team from Ashaiman No4 Junior High School in the Ashaiman Municipal. Their invention is a smart IoT energy monitoring device. The device measures real-time electricity usage, calculates costs, and automatically disconnects power to prevent electrical overloads.
Protech is a team from Joy Kids School in the Krowor Municipal. Their invention is a flood tracking app. The application is integrated with environmental sensors like the DHT22 to send early warnings and alert users about flood-prone areas.
Smart Thinkers is a team from Quaye Nungua RC Basic School in the Krowor Municipal. Their invention is an "Eco-Friendly Waste Separator Machine". The device is an automated conveyor belt system that uses sensors to sort household and school waste into recyclable, organic, and non-recyclable categories.
Team Evergreen is a team from Ayikuma Methodist Basic School in the Shai Osudoku District. Their invention is a solar-powered, Wi-Fi-controlled smart hydroponic farming system. The system features an integrated fish pond, allowing for soil-free crop growth in areas degraded by illegal mining.
Team Nova is a team from New Gbawe Experimental Basic 2 in the Weija Gbawe Municipal. Their invention is the "Nova Lost and Found App". The platform leverages real-time database technology and image recognition to help users securely report, search, and recover misplaced items.
Tech Explorers is a team from Quaye Nungua RC Basic School in the Krowor Municipal. Their invention is the "Turbo Waste Recycler". The machine shreds plastic waste, mixes it with combining agents, and compresses it into specific shapes for construction materials.