STEMFest 2026, sponsored by Danucore, welcomed more than 840 Year 5 and 6 students from across the Isle of Man, marking the first time that all 33 primary schools on the Island have taken part in the annual education event.
Held over two days at the Villa Marina in March, STEMFest provided young people with the opportunity to explore science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) subjects through hands‑on, interactive activities designed and delivered by local businesses. The event aimed to help students better understand how these subjects connect to real‑world careers and industries.
This year’s event featured activities delivered by 27 local businesses and organisations. Students took part in hands‑on experiences such as building and surveying bridges, programming coding robots, exploring artificial intelligence, designing textile products, investigating wildlife and river habitats, and learning how renewable energy and marine science are applied in practice, giving them a clear insight into how STEM skills are used across a range of industries in the Isle of Man.
Tim Johnston MHK, Minister for Enterprise, commented: “STEMFest plays an important role in helping young people understand the opportunities that STEM subjects can offer, both now and in the future. Seeing every primary school on the Isle of Man represented this year is a fantastic achievement and reflects the continued commitment to inspiring the next generation.
“The involvement of local businesses is central to the success of the event, helping students make meaningful connections between what they learn in the classroom and the world of work.”
Rob Halliday-Stein, Founder and CEO at Danucore, who sponsored and exhibited at STEMFest 2026, said: “Danucore was extremely proud to be the headline sponsor of STEMFest this year. Watching how quickly the children engaged and how creatively they used generative AI was remarkable. What surprised us most was how much our own team learned just by working with them. It was an inspiring experience all round, and we’re excited to be involved again next year.”
Mrs Pearson, Year 5 Class Teacher for Onchan Primary School, commented: “Our Year 5 children loved the wide range of activities, from textiles and AI to construction and engineering. The opportunity to apply their skills in real-life contexts is incredibly valuable and brought their learning to life in a way we can’t always replicate in the classroom.
“It was particularly powerful for them to meet industry professionals and begin to see the wide range of career pathways available to them in the future. They haven’t stopped talking about it since, it has clearly sparked their curiosity.”
