Racing car contest aims to encourage STEM skills

Digital Jersey said its Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) programme was launched for secondary school children in 2024

Young islanders are developing their own racing cars as part of a Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) programme.

Digital Jersey launched the initiative last year for secondary school pupils aged between 11 and 18 years old.

This year, the global STEM Racing competition, sponsored by technology firm C5 Alliance, has been extended to include primary school children aged between nine and 11, the company said.

Pupils will develop essential skills, gain hands-on teamwork experience and connect with industries shaping the future of technology, it added.

It said the secondary programme would see teams develop their own mini compressed CO2-powered racing car using computer aided design (CAD) and simulation software.

At the same time, they will be encouraged to develop skills in manufacturing, business and marketing ahead of the Jersey Regions in December.

The top four teams from the island would then progress to the UK nationals where there will be the opportunity to qualify to compete against teams from across the globe at the World Finals.

Meanwhile, the primary programme will see pupils work in teams to design and build a mini race car made primarily out of paper and cared powered by compressed CO2 canisters.

The teams will be mentored by older students, with ongoing support from Digital Jersey, and then have the chance to showcase and race their designs at a Jersey regional event at the start of 2026.

Digital Jersey chief executive Tony Moretta said it was an opportunity for young people to develop vital STEM and business skills in a "fun, engaging and highly creative environment".

"With the chance to represent the island on a national and even global stage, it's a fantastic way to inspire the next generation of innovators, engineers, and entrepreneurs," added Mr Moretta.

Chief executive of C5 Alliance Matthew Corbin added: "The programme offers a really valuable learning opportunity for local students with the potential to open up doors for them in the island's dynamic and varied technology sector in the future."