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Activate Your Curiosity returns to inspire young STEAM innovators in Mid and East Antrim
The Activate Your Curiosity 2026/27 programme has launched in Mid and East Antrim for its fifth year. The initiative will connect primary and post-primary pupils with STEAM careers through workshops, industry visits, competitions, a careers fair and a major flagship event in January 2027.
Mid and East Antrim has launched the Activate Your Curiosity 2026/27 programme, bringing Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics opportunities to young people across the borough.
Returning for a fifth year, the programme aims to encourage curiosity, creativity and innovation while helping pupils understand the range of careers available through STEAM subjects.
Activate Your Curiosity was co-founded by physicist and broadcaster Professor Brian Cox CBE, FRS and forms part of the Making the Future initiative.
The programme is supported by the Mid and East Antrim Labour Market Partnership and funded by the Department for Communities.
Activate Your Curiosity 2026/27 connects education and industry
Students from primary and post-primary schools will take part in practical activities, creative challenges and real-world experiences.
The programme is designed to show young people how STEAM subjects are used outside the classroom. It will also introduce them to career paths available with employers across Mid and East Antrim.
Local backing comes from Mid and East Antrim Borough Council alongside headline sponsor Saint-Gobain Exterior Solutions UK & Ireland.
Other supporting companies include:
- Michelin Development
- Terumo Blood & Cell Technology
- Moore Concrete
- EPUKI
- Phoenix Energy
- Caterpillar
The partnership aims to strengthen links between education and industry while helping develop the skills required by the local economy.
Activate Your Curiosity: Key Facts
- The programme is returning for its fifth year.
- It covers Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics.
- Primary and post-primary pupils can take part.
- Activities include workshops, competitions and industry visits.
- A major flagship event is planned for January 2027.
- The programme connects young people with local employers and career opportunities.
Mayor welcomes return of STEAM programme
Mayor of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, Alderman Thomas Gordon, welcomed the fifth year of the programme.
He said the initiative represented an investment in young people and in the future of the borough.
The Mayor also highlighted the benefits of bringing educators, employers and students together.
“By bringing together educators, employers, and students, we’re creating meaningful opportunities that spark interest in STEAM from an early age.”
He added that strong collaboration between schools and employers can highlight local career opportunities while helping build the future workforce.
What will Activate Your Curiosity include?
The Activate Your Curiosity 2026/27 programme will include several different strands aimed at helping students experience STEAM in practical ways.
Creative competitions
Students will be encouraged to use their STEAM knowledge creatively and develop innovative responses to challenges.
Interactive school workshops
Hands-on workshops will take STEAM activities directly into classrooms, giving pupils an opportunity to learn through practical experiences.
Behind-the-scenes industry visits
Young people will visit local companies to see how science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics contribute to everyday business operations and innovation.
MEA Apprenticeship Career Fair
The programme will also include an MEA Apprenticeship Career Fair and Q&A panel.
It will showcase employers from across Mid and East Antrim and provide career inspiration for pupils in Years 12 to 14.
Making the Future aims to spark curiosity
David Watson, Chair of Making The Future, said the organisation wants young people to see the opportunities available through STEAM.
He said connecting students with industry professionals and providing real-world experiences could inspire future innovators, creators and problem-solvers.
Major Activate Your Curiosity event planned for January 2027
One of the biggest events in the 2026/27 programme will take place in January 2027.
The flagship event will feature a packed programme of hands-on workshops.
Students will be encouraged to experiment, ask questions and explore different aspects of STEAM through interactive activities.
The January event will also feature TED-style talks from industry experts.
Speakers will discuss subjects including:
- Creativity
- Innovation
- Problem-solving
- Real-world applications of STEAM
- Future career opportunities
The event is intended to give students access to people already working at the forefront of innovation and industry.
Supporting future employment in Mid and East Antrim
The Mid and East Antrim Labour Market Partnership is funded by the Department for Communities.
Labour Market Partnerships develop targeted employment action plans for council areas.
They bring organisations together at local and regional level to help people move towards employment and access career opportunities.
How to get involved
Schools, organisations and businesses interested in Activate Your Curiosity can contact the programme organisers for further information.
Interested in Activate Your Curiosity?
Schools, businesses and organisations can contact the programme team for further information about getting involved.
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