The winners of the Wales STEM Awards 2026 have been revealed
The best in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) in Wales have been recognized at an annual awards ceremony,
Now in its sixth year, the Wales STEM Awards 2026, sponsored by Cardiff Metropolitan University, bring together finalists from across the country at Techniquest in Cardiff.
From pioneering businesses developing new technologies and organizations tackling skills shortages, to inspiring educators, community projects and individuals championing greater diversity and inclusion, the awards showcase the breadth and strength of Wales’ STEM sector.
Among this year’s winners are MeOmics Precision Medicine, which took the Innovation in STEM Award, while Nellie Technologies was named STEM company of the year (under 50 employees) and NOVA Outreach won the start of the year.
The University of South Wales is celebrating two wins, with its AI and future space building program Wales receiving an upcoming award and its applied science team being named team of the year.
Education and skills are also in the spotlight. Theatr na nÓg Dal y Gwynt won education program of the year (non-profit), the e-sgol science project took the public sector award, and Wynne Construction’s mathematics in the workplace initiative was named education program of the year (private sector).
The STEM community impact award was recently presented to a major science project, recognizing its work to make STEM experiences more accessible to the community, while STEM Untapped CIC took this year’s STEM collaboration.
Individual winners included Emma Wride from AstroCymru, who was named ear woman; Nirmani Fonseka from Ogi, who received the Rising Star of the Year Award; and Josephine Grech from Cardiff and Vale College, who was named ambassador of the Year. Nightingale HQ was recognized with a sustainability award.
A special recognition award was also presented to Dr Geertje Van Keulen from Swansea University, who recognized her long-standing contribution to STEM research, innovation, public engagement and the promotion of women in STEM.
Dr Van Keulen is associate professor in microbialbBiochemistry at Swansea University’s Institute of Life Science, where he leads interdisciplinary research and innovation covering microbiology, biomaterials, antimicrobial resistance and sustainable innovation.
In addition to her academic work, she has made a significant contribution to public engagement, including Swansea’s famous Science Soapbox, supporting STEM outreach and helping to raise the profile of women working in science.
Liz Brookes, co-founder of the Wales STEM Awards, said: “Every year the Wales STEM Awards give us the opportunity to shine a light on the extraordinary work taking place across the country, and this year’s winners demonstrate how diverse, ambitious and exciting Wales’ STEM community is.
“From businesses developing technologies with the potential to transform industries, to educators inspiring young people, community initiatives making STEM more accessible and individuals becoming role models for the next generation, there is much happening in Wales that deserves to be celebrated.
“This year also marks an exciting new chapter for the awards, with the move to Techniquest and a new event format. It’s great to see the STEM community come together in a beautiful setting to celebrate, connect and recognize the people and organizations who are helping to shape the future of Wales.
“Congratulations to all winners, commended finalists and all shortlisted this year. The standard of entries was exceptional and everyone should be proud of what they have achieved.”
Professor Jon Platt, dean of Cardiff School of Technologies at Cardiff Metropolitan University, said: “Wales has a thriving STEM community, and this year’s winners demonstrate the innovation, expertise and ambition that exists across businesses, universities, education providers and communities.
“At Cardiff Metropolitan University, we recognize the important role that STEM plays in driving economic growth, developing the skills Wales needs for the future and finding solutions to some of the challenges facing society.
“We are proud to continue our support of the Wales STEM Awards and help celebrate individuals and organizations who have made such a significant contribution. Congratulations to all of this year’s winners, finalists and highly commended nominees.”
Martin McHugh, chair of judges, added: “The judging panel had an incredibly difficult task this year. The quality of the entries demonstrates not only the depth of STEM expertise that exists in Wales, but also the commitment across the sector to innovation, collaboration, skills development and widening participation.
“Our winners represent organizations and individuals at very different stages and work in very different STEM areas, but what connects them is their determination to make a meaningful difference.
“I would like to congratulate each of the commended winners and finalists, and thank everyone who participated in sharing their work with us.”
The winner
Education Program of the Year (Non-Profit): Theatr na nÓg – Catching the Wind
Shaping the Future Award: University of South Wales – Building Wales’ Future AI Capabilities and the Edge
Sustainability Award: Nightingale HQ
Woman of the Year: Emma Wride – AstroCymru
Education Program of the Year (Public Sector): e-sgol – The Science Project
STEM Community Impact Award: Great Science Project
Team of the Year: University of South Wales – Applied Science
Beginning of the Year: NOVA Outreach Ltd
Innovation in STEM: MeOmics Precision Medicine
This Year’s Education Program (Private Sector): Wynne Construction – Maths in Workplace
STEM Collaboration of the Year: STEM Untapped CIC
Rising Star of the Year: Nirmani Fonseka – Ogi
Ambassador of the Year: Josephine Grech – Cardiff and Vale College
STEM Company of the Year (under 50 employees): Nellie Technologies
Special Recognition Award: Dr. Geertje Van Keulen – Swansea University
Some of the finalists were also recognized as highly commended by the judges.
Highly praised
Education Program of the Year (Non-Profit): Darwin Dragon Experience – Darwin Centre
Woman of the Year: Steph Locke – Nightingale HQ
Education Program of the Year (Public Sector): National Cyber Security Academy – ACE Cyber Security Competition
STEM Community Impact Award: The Welsh Coal Mine Experience – Rhondda Heritage Park Museum
Innovation in STEM: A hidden power
This Year’s Education Program (Private Sector): Great Science Project
STEM Collaboration of the Year: Wynne Construction & Careers Wales
STEM Company of the Year (under 50 employeesyes): Technique