By 2029/30, we want to support one million young people with educational technologies, learning content and skills development opportunities to support future engineers and innovators. We do this in part by running initiatives that provide students with the opportunity to apply technical knowledge and prepare for careers in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) fields.
Through our RS Student Project Fund, we’ve invested £46k in 2024/25 to support student-led initiatives across EMEA, offering products, prize funds and skills development opportunities. This initiative empowers future engineers and innovators by supporting hands-on learning and collaboration in STEM.
Among the supported projects in the UK were Women in Robotics UK, which developed Launchbox workshop kits to inspire young women and non-binary individuals to explore robotics and the FemEng society at the University of Glasgow, which hosted a week-long wind farm design competition. The event brought students together with industry leaders to explore the technical, commercial and social dimensions of renewable energy.
In South Africa, the fund supported projects to develop an autonomous solar panel cleaning robot, an early disease detection sensor array, and off-road vehicle designs. By enabling students to explore their passions with the tools and components they need for their projects, we support RS and the wider industry to attract and retain young talent with a future-focused skillset.