A STUDENT from Fitzalan High School in Cardiff has been confirmed a finalist of The Big Bang UK Young Scientists & Engineers Competition 2026. Their eco-conscious project, called ‘Effect of washing mode on microfiber emission from polyester textiles’, explores how, by reducing the impact washing machines have on fabrics, it’s possible to reduce the amount of microplastics floating in water.
Selected from over 800 entrants, the student will now go through a final round of judging and receive feedback from industry experts, before the winners are announced at an exciting awards ceremony at The Big Bang Fair.
A sustainable floating farm, an AI-powered recycling bin and renewable energy generation through everyday movement, are just some of the other innovative science, engineering, technology and maths (STEM) projects battling it out for coveted top prizes this year.
Awards on offer include The Big Bang UK Young Engineer (supported by Thales), The Big Bang UK Young Technologist (supported by Siemens), and The Big Bang UK Young Scientist of the Year. Winners of each category will receive a trophy plus £1,000 prize money.
Phillip McShane, Associate Director of Engagement Projects at EngineeringUK commented: “It’s brilliant to see so many young people making the connections between their own creativity and how STEM can help solve real-world challenges.
“Once again, the standard of projects has been incredibly high. The environment, AI and health are project themes that continue to be popular as young people look to engineering and technology to provide solutions.
“This year we continue to see entrants using a greater mix of STEM skills to create their projects.”
A host of special awards supported by key engineering and technology industry partners are also on offer, as well as the EUK Education teacher award for school staff who has gone above and beyond to support students throughout their projects.
James Mackay, Head of STEM in the UK at Thales, commented: “Congratulations to all the young people who have entered The Big Bang Competition – your curiosity, creativity, and passion for discovering new possibilities are truly inspiring.
“At Thales, we’re proud to support The Competition for the first time, helping to nurture the next generation of engineers and innovators.
“I know myself and my colleagues have loved looking over and providing feedback for some of the submissions – it’s been wonderful to see such exciting ideas.
“Your ideas today have the power to shape a brighter tomorrow, and we encourage you to keep exploring, questioning, and believing in your potential.”
Mark Wood, Social Sustainability Lead, Great Britain & Ireland, at Siemens said: “Congratulations to all the finalists in The Big Bang Competition, supported by Siemens.
“As always, the competition has been fierce, but the finalists should be so proud of what they have already achieved, and I look forward to meeting them to hear more about their projects.
“Technology holds the key to solving the problems we face every day, so competitions like The Big Bang Competition, which embed creativity as well as real world solutions using technology, have never been more important to our environment, our society and our world.”
Last year’s winners included an automatic pill dispenser, an alternative telecommunications system for emergency communications, and an investigation into the physics behind karate.
Finalists will be invited to showcase their projects to industry professionals, employers, and other young people at The Big Bang Fair taking place June 9 to 11, 2026 at the NEC in Birmingham. Winners of The Competition will be crowned at an exciting awards ceremony at The Fair on June 9.
The annual Big Bang Fair is the largest free celebration of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) for young people aged 10 to 13 in the UK. Through hands-on activities, incredible shows and career panels, the fair inspires students about the diverse careers in STEM.
A full list of UK finalists can be found on the Big Bang website.
School groups can book free tickets to attend The Big Bang Fair byc clicking here.
