Stem charity reaches more than 50,000 people in ‘landmark’ year

A Scottish Stem charity reached more than 50,000 people last year, it is claimed.

TechFest uses education, engagement and outreach programmes to interest more people in science, technology, engineering and maths (Stem).

Over the past year, it’s worked in 30 of Scotland’s 32 local authority areas, and managing director Dr Martha Gavan said she is “proud” of the progress, which is said to have been fuelled by the success of flagship programmes like Primary Outreach school series and the 24 Days of Stem festive programme.

Reflecting on the “landmark” year, Gavan said: “Reaching more than 50,000 people in a single year shows huge progress, and I’m incredibly proud of what our team has achieved.

“Those are not just numbers but a powerful reflection of the hard work and commitment that goes into everything we do, and of how impactful Stem can be when it’s made engaging, inclusive and fun.” 

Gavan’s appointment as managing director follows more than seven years with the organisation, including four as second in command.

She went on: “As we look ahead to 2026, I am hugely excited about what the future holds for TechFest, for Stem education, for Scotland and the UK as a whole. We have a real opportunity to build on this momentum, expand our impact and help empower the next generation to see stem as something that’s truly for them.”