STEAM Challenge seeks projects for pitch in March 2026

(CONNECT) The STEAM Challenge is looking for six pioneering and amazing projects that combine technology, creativity and innovative spirit. The six selected individuals, teams, companies or organizations will face the verdict of the jury, the audience and the invited comedians Gülsha Adilji, Reena Krishnaraja and Zukkihund on stage at Spirgarten Zurich on 3 March 2026.

The anagram STEAM in the name of the challenge stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics and is another short form for MINT+, i.e. mathematics, computer science, natural sciences and technology plus art and entrepreneurial thinking. "The aim is to have six great projects on stage," said the project team from the Canton of Zurich's Office for Economic Development in a press release. "Our aim is to promote STEM+ skills, make them visible and get the public excited about the STEM+ world in an entertaining way."

The project should therefore have a clear STEM+ or STEAM connection. It should address a relevant social problem, be little known to the general public and have at least reached the prototype stage. The jury criteria are social and societal added value, originality, feasibility, potential for the Zurich location as well as team dynamics and the ability to cooperate.

In addition to fame and honor, the prizes include media visibility before and after the event as well as professional pitch training. Applications, including a two-minute video, must be submitted by January 5, 2026, 12 noon, according to the call for entries, to standort@vd.zh. The finalists will be announced on January 16. Project partners are Innovation Zurich, the Informatiktage and the Future Lab Zurich. ce/mm