Wales STEM Awards 2026 winners revealed

The outstanding people, organisations and initiatives helping to drive science, technology, engineering and mathematics forward across Wales have been recognised at the Wales STEM Awards 2026.

Sponsored by Cardiff Metropolitan University, the awards brought together finalists from across Wales for a special ceremony at Techniquest in Cardiff.

Now in their sixth year, the awards featured a brand-new format designed to put STEM centre stage through an evening of celebration, networking and interactive experiences.

The winners represented a wide range of work taking place across Wales, from businesses developing new technologies and organisations addressing skills shortages to educators, community projects and individuals working to improve diversity and inclusion within STEM.

Among this year’s winners was MeOmics Precision Medicine, which received the Innovation in STEM Award, while Nellie Technologies was named STEM Company of the Year (under 50 employees) and NOVA Outreach Ltd took home Start-up of the Year.

The University of South Wales celebrated two awards on the night. Its Building Wales’s Future Space and Edge AI Capability programme received the Shaping the Future Award, while its Applied Sciences team was named Team of the Year.

Education and skills were also recognised across several categories.

Theatr na nÓg’s Dal y Gwynt won Educational Programme of the Year (Not-for-profit), e-sgol’s The Science Project received the Educational Programme of the Year (Public Sector) award and Wynne Construction’s Maths in the Workplace initiative was named Educational Programme of the Year (Private Sector).

The newly introduced STEM Community Impact Award was presented to The Big Science Project in recognition of its work to make hands-on STEM experiences more accessible to communities, while STEM Untapped CIC received STEM Collaboration of the Year.

Individual winners included Emma Wride of AstroCymru, who was named Woman of the Year; Nirmani Fonseka of Ogi, who received the Rising Star of the Year Award; and Josephine Grech of Cardiff and Vale College, who was named Ambassador of the Year.

Nightingale HQ was also recognised with the Sustainability Award.

A Special Recognition Award was presented to Dr Geertje Van Keulen of Swansea University for her longstanding contribution to STEM research, innovation, public engagement and the promotion of women in STEM.

Dr Van Keulen is an Associate Professor in Microbial Biochemistry at Swansea University’s Institute of Life Science, where she leads interdisciplinary research and innovation spanning microbiology, biomaterials, antimicrobial resistance and sustainable innovation.

Alongside her academic work, she has made a significant contribution to public engagement, including leading Soapbox Science Swansea, supporting STEM outreach and helping to raise the profile of women working in science.

Liz Brookes, co-founder of the Wales STEM Awards, said:

“Every year the Wales STEM Awards give us an opportunity to shine a light on the extraordinary work taking place across the country, and this year’s winners demonstrate just how diverse, ambitious and exciting Wales’ STEM community is.

“From businesses developing technologies with the potential to transform industries, to educators inspiring young people, community initiatives making STEM more accessible and individuals acting as role models for the next generation, there is so much happening in Wales that deserves to be celebrated.

“This year also marked an exciting new chapter for the awards, with our move to Techniquest and a completely new event format. It was fantastic to see the STEM community come together in such an iconic setting to celebrate, connect and recognise the people and organisations helping to shape Wales’ future.

“Congratulations to all of our winners, highly commended finalists and everyone who was shortlisted this year. The standard of entries was exceptional and they should all be incredibly proud of what they are achieving.”

Professor Jon Platt, Dean of Cardiff School of Technologies at Cardiff Metropolitan University, said:

“Wales has a thriving STEM community, and this year’s winners demonstrate the innovation, expertise and ambition that exists across our businesses, universities, education providers and communities.

“At Cardiff Metropolitan University, we recognise the vital role STEM plays in driving economic growth, developing the skills Wales needs for the future and finding solutions to some of the challenges facing society.

“We are proud to continue our support of the Wales STEM Awards and to help celebrate the individuals and organisations making such an important contribution. Congratulations to all of this year’s winners, highly commended finalists and nominees.”

Martin McHugh, Chair of Judges, added:

“The judging panel had an incredibly difficult task this year. The quality of the entries demonstrated not only the depth of STEM expertise that exists in Wales, but also the commitment across the sector to innovation, collaboration, skills development and widening participation.

“Our winners represent organisations and individuals at very different stages and working in very different areas of STEM, but what connects them is their determination to make a meaningful difference.

“I would like to congratulate every winner and highly commended finalist, and thank everyone who entered for sharing their work with us.”

Cardiff Metropolitan University returned as headline sponsor of the Wales STEM Awards 2026, with Wynne Jones IP sponsoring the Innovation in STEM Award, CSA Catapult sponsoring the Rising Star of the Year Award and Sony UK TEC sponsoring the Shaping the Future Award.

The Wales STEM Awards are jointly organised by Grapevine Event Management and communications agency jamjar.