Businesses, universities, education providers and individuals leading innovation and skills development across Wales have been named as finalists in the Wales STEM Awards 2026.
Sponsored by Cardiff Metropolitan University, the awards recognise achievement in science, technology, engineering and mathematics and highlight the contribution STEM makes to the Welsh economy, its communities and future workforce.
This year’s shortlist includes established companies, start-ups, educators, universities, community organisations and STEM ambassadors from across Wales.
Now in their sixth year, the Wales STEM Awards recognise those developing new technology, advancing research, addressing skills needs, tackling the STEM diversity gap and inspiring the next generation.
The finalists will be assessed by an industry-leading judging panel chaired by Martin McHugh.
Winners will be announced at Techniquest in Cardiff on Thursday 1st October 2026, during the science discovery centre’s 40th anniversary year.
The event marks a new chapter for the awards, replacing the traditional black-tie dinner with an immersive, theatre-style presentation.
It will also include interactive exhibits, science-themed entertainment and demonstrations, guest speakers, street food and more opportunities for professionals from across Wales’s STEM community to network.
Two new categories were introduced for 2026. STEM Collaboration of the Year will recognise partnerships between industry, academia and the third sector, while the Shaping the Future Award will celebrate emerging technologies and innovative solutions.
Following the strength of this year’s entries, the awards will also recognise STEM Community Impact, highlighting organisations and projects using STEM to make a meaningful difference in communities across Wales.
Wales STEM Awards 2026 shortlist
Ambassador of the Year: Josephine Grech – Cardiff and Vale College; Tony O’Sullivan – NOVA Outreach Ltd; Dr Geertje Van Keulen – Swansea University.
Educational Programme of the Year – Public Sector: A Welsh Coal Mining Experience – Rhondda Heritage Park Museum; BBC Women in STEM Network – BBC Wales WiSTEM Hub; e-sgol; Office for National Statistics; University of South Wales – Building Wales’s Future Space and Edge AI Capability; CyberFirst; The National Cyber Security Academy (NCSA).
Educational Programme of the Year – Not-for-profit: CSconnected; Engineering Education Scheme Wales; Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum CiC2; Royal Academy of Engineering; STEM Untapped CIC; The Darwin Centre; Theatr na nÓg.
Educational Programme of the Year – Private Sector: Ogi; Panasonic Connect; SparkLab Cymru; Tata Steel UK; The Big Science Project; Wild Connect; Wynne Construction.
Innovation in STEM, sponsored by Wynne Jones IP: Afon Technology Ltd; Configur; Cyber Innovation Hub; EA Global AI; Elements Technik Limited; Hidden Strength; MeOmics Precision Medicine Ltd.
Rising Star of the Year, sponsored by CSA Catapult: Amy Hubbuck – Hidden Strength; Nirmani Fonseka – Ogi.
Shaping the Future Award, sponsored by Sony UK TEC: Configur; Driverly; lemmiout Activities; University of South Wales – Building Wales’s Future Space and Edge AI Capability.
Start-up of the Year: Elements Technik Limited; Tony O’Sullivan – NOVA Outreach Ltd; MeOmics Precision Medicine Ltd.
STEM Collaboration of the Year: Aspire 2Be & Bouygues; e-sgol; Ipsen Biopharm; STEM Untapped CIC; Vishay Newport Limited x Dragons RFC; Wynne Construction; NRS.
STEM Community Impact: University of South Wales – Biology in the Park 2026; Broadlands Community Hub and Laleston Community Council; Techniquest – DNA Uncoded; A Welsh Coal Mining Experience – Rhondda Heritage Park Museum; The Darwin Centre; The Big Science Project.
STEM Company of the Year – Under 50 Employees: Afon Technology Ltd; Aspire 2Be; EA Global AI; Nellie Technologies Ltd; SparkLab Cymru; Techniquest.
Sustainability Award: Dragons RFC Limited; Kenfig Nature Trust; Nellie Technologies Ltd; Nightingale HQ.
Team of the Year: Driverly; Ipsen Biopharm; University of South Wales – Applied Sciences.
Woman of the Year: Emma Wride – AstroCymru Ltd; Josephine Grech – Cardiff and Vale College; Katerina Kaouri – Cardiff University; Steph Locke – Nightingale HQ; Dr Geertje Van Keulen – Swansea University; Beth Nurse – University of South Wales; Rhian Kinsella – University of South Wales.
Liz Brookes, co-founder of the Wales STEM Awards, said:
“Every year the shortlist gives us a fantastic snapshot of the talent, ambition and innovation within Wales’ STEM community, and this year is no exception.
“We’ve seen entries from established businesses and exciting start-ups, universities and education providers, community organisations and individuals who are going above and beyond to inspire others. What really stands out is the breadth of work taking place across Wales and the impact STEM is having not just on our economy, but on our communities and future generations.
“With a brand-new venue and format for 2026, we’re particularly excited to bring all of our finalists together at Techniquest in October. The evening will be a real celebration of the people and organisations shaping the future of STEM in Wales, and we can’t wait to share their stories.”
Martin McHugh, Chair of Judges, added:
“The quality of this year’s entries demonstrates the strength and diversity of STEM in Wales. From organisations developing new technologies and tackling some of society’s biggest challenges to those addressing skills shortages, widening participation and inspiring young people, there is an enormous amount to celebrate.
“Being shortlisted is an achievement in itself and I would like to congratulate all of this year’s finalists. Our judging panel now has the difficult task of selecting the winners, and I look forward to celebrating with everyone at Techniquest in October.”
The Wales STEM Awards are jointly organised by Grapevine Event Management and communications agency jamjar.
The winners will be announced at the Wales STEM Awards 2026 at Techniquest, Cardiff, on Thursday 1st October 2026.
