STEM Scholars: The Next Scipreneur 2026 Application Form

Welcome to The Next Scipreneurs 2026

🏆 Only the sharpest scientific minds need apply
Science is not just a subject. It is the force behind every breakthrough, every discovery, every solution that has ever changed the world. And it starts exactly where you are — with a problem, a question, and the courage to build something from it. That is not just science. That is entrepreneurship.

The Next Scipreneurs is STEM Scholars' most prestigious youth science entrepreneurship programme, designed for Grade 10 and 11 learners who are ready to think beyond the textbook and step into the real world of science, innovation, and business.

This Year's Theme: "Solve It With Science"

What It Takes To Enter
One original project idea.

Submit your project proposal and stand a chance to be chosen as one of the Top 10 learners at your school — selected by expert judges based on scientific thinking, originality, and entrepreneurial potential.

What The Top 10 Win

Being selected is just the beginning. The Top 10 learners earn exclusive access to the following:

✦ 4-Week Accelerated Programme
Intensive workshops covering how to commercialise science, protect your ideas, understand business basics, and build a pitch deck — skills no classroom teaches.

✦ Industry Mentorship
Work directly with an entrepreneur or science professional who will guide you from idea to pitch-ready in four weeks.

✦ The Next Scipreneurs Pitch Day
The pinnacle of the programme. A live, invitation-only pitch competition at Parktown High School for Girls, where the Top 10 teams present to a real judging panel.

The Stakes

The top 3 teams will receive awards, prizes, industry recognition, and access to career opportunities that could define their future in STEM. But more than that, you will walk away having done something most adults never do. You will have identified a real problem, applied real science, and pitched your solution to a room full of professionals.

This is not just a competition. This is where South Africa's next generation of science entrepreneurs begin.

Are you ready? Your application starts below.
Entry Type
School Code
Please ask your science teacher for the school code (Parktown girls your code is: TNS-GP-JHB-001.
Full Name

First NameLast Name
Age
Grade
Gender
Email Address
example@example.com
Cell Number
Please enter a valid phone number.Format: (000) 000-0000.
Team Member 2 Full Name

First NameLast Name
Team Member 2 Grade
Team Member 2 Email Address
example@example.com
Team Member 2 Cell Number
Please enter a valid phone number.Format: (000) 000-0000.
School Name
Team Name
Give your team a name (both individuals and teams of 2 should have a team name)
Teacher Full Name

TitleLast Name
Project Title
Give your project a clear descriptive title
STEM Subject Area
THE PROBLEM
What problem are you trying to solve?
Who does this problem affect?
Why does this problem matter to you personally?
What currently exists to solve this problem, and why is it not good enough?
THE SCIENCE
What scientific principle or field of science underpins your solution?
Have you done any research or experiments related to this? If yes, briefly describe.
YOUR SOLUTION
Describe your solution in 2 to 3 sentences.
What stage is your idea currently at?
What makes your solution different from what already exists?
VALUE PROPOSITION AND BUSINESS MODEL
Who is your solution for?
Complete this sentence: We help [WHO] to [DO WHAT] by [HOW], unlike [CURRENT ALTERNATIVES] which [LIMITATION].
How do you imagine your solution reaching the people who need it?
Have you spoken to anyone who has the problem you are solving? What did they say?
YOUR VISION
If your solution was fully built and working, what would success look like in 1 year?
What is the one thing you want judges to remember about your idea?
This is my own original project idea
I give STEM Scholars permission to use my project details for programme purposes
My parent or guardian is aware of and approves this entry
I give STEM Scholars permission to photograph and video record me during workshops, the Science Expo and related events, and to use this content on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, the STEM Scholars website and other marketing materials.
My parent or guardian consents to me being photographed and video recorded at STEM Scholars events and for this content to be used on social media and marketing materials.
Submission Date

MonthDayYear
2 digit month, 2 digit day, 4 digit yearDate
Payment Method
Should be Empty:

Welcome to The Next Scipreneurs 2026

THE PROBLEM

THE SCIENCE

YOUR SOLUTION

VALUE PROPOSITION AND BUSINESS MODEL

YOUR VISION