Jersey STEM Racing competition opens for schools with hopes of record participation
Registration has opened for this year’s Jersey STEM Racing competition, with organisers hoping to attract a record number of primary and secondary school pupils.
The programme gives young people the chance to design, build and race their own small-scale Formula 1-style cars, while developing skills in engineering, technology, business, teamwork and marketing.
Digital Jersey, which runs the competition in the island, has also confirmed that technology company C5 Alliance will continue as a sponsor for the next two years.
The Primary Programme, which is returning for a second year, is open to pupils aged between nine and 11. Teams design and build miniature racing cars, primarily using paper and card, which are powered by compressed CO2 canisters.
The teams will race their cars over a 25-metre track at the Jersey Primary Regionals on Friday, 22 January 2027.
The Secondary Programme is open to students aged 11 to 18 and is entering its third year. Participants use computer-aided design software to create their cars, while also developing skills in manufacturing, business planning and marketing.
The Jersey Secondary Regionals will take place on 21 January 2027.
The leading teams in both competitions can go on to represent Jersey at the UK National Finals, while secondary school teams could also qualify for the World Finals.
Schools and students can register to take part now, with Digital Jersey holding a launch event at the Digital Jersey Hub on 15 September for anyone wanting to find out more.
Registration closes at the end of October.
Almost 300 Jersey students took part in the Primary and Secondary competitions last year, with several schools going on to represent the island at the UK National Finals.
Tony Moretta, chief executive of Digital Jersey, said the response from schools and students had been “incredible”.
He said the programme offered students practical experience across a range of areas, from project management and business planning to engineering and design.
“It’s a fantastic opportunity for local students to get some hands-on experience, develop their STEM skills in a fun and friendly environment, and show just what they are capable of,” he said.
C5 Alliance chief executive Matthew Corbin said the company was “really excited” to extend its support for another two years.
He said the programme helped bring STEM subjects to life while developing technical skills, creativity, confidence and problem-solving.
“We’re looking forward to continuing to work with Digital Jersey to grow its reach and impact over the coming years,” he said.
More information about the competition and how schools can register is available from Digital Jersey.
