2025 Future Makers STEM Inventors Challenge | Gladstone region EOI

The 2025 Future Makers STEM Inventors Challenge — Gladstone Region, is open to Years 5 to 10 students the Gladstone region. Participation is free.

The aim of this design challenge is for student teams to create a comprehensive, well-communicated invention concept to solve real-world problems.

Students are encouraged to think big and use creativity, research and technology to make a basic prototype which demonstrates some of the capabilities or design aspects of the proposed complete invention.

Starting with an online launch webinar in Term 2 Week 10, Queensland Museum facilitators will announce the specific details of the challenge, provide guidance on key criteria and showcase inspiring real inventions.

Teachers will be given high quality resources and activities to assist students throughout the design and communication process. Schools will have the option to schedule mentorship sessions with STEM industry experts to help refine their ideas.

The final submission will be at World Science Festival Queensland in Gladstone, where students will display their prototype as a mini museum exhibition. Students will be required to explain and demonstrate how their invention works and meets the criteria. Prizes, trophies and certificates will be publicly presented to the winners on the festival main stage.

PRIZES

• The winning school will receive a prize (TBA)
• All students will receive a certificate
• Winners will receive a trophy, certificate and large Queensland Museum STEM prize pack
• Highly Commended and Commended entries will receive Certificates and small prize packs

KEY DATES

• Online launch webinar: Term 2, Week 10 (TBA)
• Students to work on design and prototype + consult mentors: Term 3, Week 1–7
• Present submissions + winners announced: Term 3, Week 7 (Friday 6 June) at World Science Festival Queensland in Gladstone

Detailed challenge information will be released soon. For enquiries, email [email protected].

Future Makers is a partnership between Queensland Museum and Shell’s QGC business. For more information visit museum.qld.gov.au/futuremakers

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Competition open to students based in the Western Downs, GECC, Gladstone, Australia