Big Bang winners showcase next generation of STEM innovators
Young innovators tackling challenges ranging from medicine delivery and sustainable agriculture to accessibility and environmental protection have been recognised at The Big Bang UK Young Scientists & Engineers Competition 2026.
Run by EngineeringUK, the national competition celebrates engineering, science and technology projects developed by students aged 11 to 18 from across the UK.
The top engineering award, UK Young Engineer of the Year, supported by Thales, was awarded to Kanav Jain (pictured) from Broxburn, Scotland, for AeroAid: autonomous VTOL quadplane.
Inspired by the difficulties of delivering emergency supplies to remote communities, Jain designed a low-cost autonomous aircraft capable of transporting medicines and other essential items where conventional transport links are limited.
James Mackay, head of STEM, UK at Thales, said the judges had been impressed by both the project and Jain's determination.
“Supporting these future engineers is truly exciting for us at Thales,” he said. “The competition is a great reminder that the next big breakthrough could come from anyone.”
Among the engineering category winners was Jonathan Joseph, a Year 10 student from Wilson's School in London, whose low-cost refreshable braille display was designed to improve accessibility for visually impaired users of digital devices. The system combines a Raspberry Pi, custom hardware and software to convert text into tactile braille output.
The UK Young Scientists of the Year award went to Jessica Dowdall, Lauren Dowdall, Martha Pugh and Meike Oakes from Hexham Middle School in Northumberland. Their project investigated how different quantities of biochar affect plant growth, exploring the potential of the carbon-rich material in agricultural applications.
Dr Hilary Leevers, chief executive of EngineeringUK, said: “Their curiosity and creativity have driven them to produce some brilliant STEM projects addressing some really big societal problems.”
The competition was held as part of The Big Bang Fair and highlighted the breadth of scientific and engineering talent emerging from schools and community groups across the UK.
For more information visit: www.thebigbang.org.uk/competition-winners
Related Content
Report links science graduate growth to £6.4bn economic boost
A modest increase in the number of science graduates entering the workforce could generate an additional £6.4bn for the UK …
UK biotech secures £3.4m to develop dandelion-derived natural rubber
A UK biotechnology company developing sustainable natural rubber from specially engineered dandelions has secured £3.4m in combined grant funding and …
‘Breakthrough’ claimed for sustainable reuse of industrial rubber
Two pioneering techniques for the sustainable use of nitrile rubber products as new carbon dioxide-capturing materials have been unveiled by …
