NEWS

The two-week countdown has begun for STEMFest Newcastle 2026, a three-day celebration of science, technology, engineering and maths that will connect young people with employers from across the region.

Organised by the STEM Hub and delivered by RTC North, the festival will take place from 6–8 October at the VERTU Motors Arena. Around 3,000 primary and secondary school pupils are expected to attend, alongside 60 organisations offering immersive activities, inspiring demonstrations and meaningful encounters with people working in STEM.

STEMFest Newcastle is designed to help pupils see how STEM skills are used in real-world roles. Through interactive challenges, conversations with employers and practical demonstrations, young people will be encouraged to ask questions, explore future career pathways and discover the opportunities available on their doorstep.

We’re proud to announce Accenture will be Headline Sponsor for STEMFest Newcastle 2026. A leading global professional services company, Accenture helps organisations reinvent by building their digital core and using AI to create value at speed across industries.

Accenture brings together the talent of approximately 799,000 people serving around 9,000 clients in 120 countries. Its strategy is to be the reinvention partner of choice for clients, lead the safe and widespread adoption of AI, and be the most client-focused, AI-enabled great place to work in the world.

In the North East, Accenture’s Newcastle Advanced Technology Centre has a strong focus on delivering social value by connecting volunteers with schools, events and community groups to share skills, technology and career insight. As Headline Sponsor, Accenture will help bring hands-on STEM activities to young people from state schools across the region.

Alec Berry, Managing Director at Accenture’s Newcastle Advanced Technology Centre, said:

“We are proud to be Headline Sponsor of STEMFest Newcastle. Events like this show young people that a career in STEM is for them, whatever their background. When students meet real people doing these jobs and get hands-on with the technology, it changes what they believe is possible. Inspiring the next generation of talent is exactly what makes us so passionate about social value and developing future leaders in technology, and STEMFest lets us do that at scale.”

Cummins – Event Supporters

Cummins will once again support STEMFest Newcastle, continuing its long-standing involvement in the event and commitment to inspiring future engineers, scientists and problem-solvers.

Through hands-on activities, Cummins employees will bring STEM subjects to life and showcase the skills, ideas and technologies shaping careers in STEM and advanced manufacturing.

Gareth Jones, Darlington Campus CIT Leader at Cummins, said:

“STEMFest gives young people the opportunity to experience science, technology, engineering, and math’s in a practical, exciting and accessible way. At Cummins, we believe it is important to spark that curiosity early and help young people see the possibilities available to them, whatever their background. We are proud to support an event that raises aspirations, challenges perceptions, and inspires the engineers, innovators and problem-solvers of the future.”

Zone Sponsors and Supporters

STEMFest Newcastle 2026 is also supported by a range of organisations helping to bring different STEM themes to life across the festival zones:

• Lockheed Martin | Space Zone Sponsor
• North East STEM Foundation | Technology Zone Sponsor
• Siemens Energy | Environment & Energy Zone Sponsor
• The Reece Foundation | Manufacturing Zone Sponsor

Lockheed Martin | Space Zone Sponsor

Lockheed Martin UK is supporting the North East’s growing space sector through investment in skills, innovation and industrial capability. This includes supporting major initiatives such as the North East Space Skills and Technology Centre (NESST) at Northumbria University and plans for a satellite manufacturing facility at NETPark in Sedgefield.

By sponsoring STEMFest, Lockheed Martin UK is helping inspire young people to explore STEM careers and discover the opportunities emerging within the space industry.

Chris Spicer, Regional Director UK and Europe, Lockheed Martin Space, said:

"Lockheed Martin UK is delighted to be sponsoring the Space Zone at STEMFest and helping inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers and innovators. As the UK space sector continues to grow, developing a strong skills pipeline is more important than ever. Events like STEMFest give young people the opportunity to discover the exciting careers available in the space industry and understand the vital role STEM subjects play in shaping the technologies of the future."

The North East STEM Foundation - Technology Zone Sponsor

The North East STEM Foundation is a charity helping young people across the region access opportunities in science, technology, engineering and maths, regardless of their background.

By sponsoring the Technology Zone, the Foundation will help pupils experience STEM first-hand, meet industry role models and explore the breadth of careers available.

Tania Cooper MBE, Chair of the North East STEM Foundation, said:

“Supporting STEMFest aligns perfectly with our mission to inspire young people across the North East and help them discover the opportunities available through STEM.

“Giving them the chance to experience STEM first-hand and meet the people working in these industries can spark an interest that ultimately shapes their future and creates the region’s next generation of STEM talent.”

Siemens Energy – Environment & Energy Zone Sponsor

Siemens Energy supports the transition to a more sustainable energy future, delivering technologies and services that help power communities and drive progress towards net zero. Locally, its Newcastle site provides specialist engineering services that help maintain and modernise critical energy infrastructure.

Their support for STEMFest reflects a long-term commitment to STEM education, early careers and inspiring the diverse talent needed for the energy systems of the future.

Sarah Handley, Head of Sustainability at Siemens, said:

“Siemens Energy is proud to support STEMFest, helping inspire the next generation of engineers, innovators and problem-solvers. As one of the UK's leading energy technology companies, we are committed to promoting STEM education and raising awareness of the exciting career opportunities that will help drive the energy transition.”

The Reece Foundation – Manufacturing Zone Sponsor

The Reece Foundation supports the North East’s long-term prosperity by promoting engineering and manufacturing and creating opportunities for future generations.

Through STEMFest, the Foundation is helping young people explore STEM subjects and careers while encouraging innovation, skills development and regional progress.

Anne Reece, Chair of the Reece Foundation, said:

 “Inspiring young people to discover the possibilities of STEM is vital to developing the skills, ideas and talent that will shape the future. By supporting STEMFest again this October, we’re helping young people see the opportunities that engineering, manufacturing and other STEM careers can offer, while contributing to a culture of innovation and progress across the North East.”  

STEMFest Newcastle gives pupils the opportunity to experience STEM in a practical, exciting and accessible way while helping employers connect with the next generation of talent. The event supports young people to build confidence, challenge perceptions and understand how the subjects they study can lead to rewarding future careers.

Dawn Ross, STEM Hub Liaison Coordinator, commented:

“Now in its seventh year, STEMFest continues to have a significant impact on young people across the region. A huge thank you goes to our sponsors and partners, whose funding makes this event possible. Without their support, we could not deliver an event of this scale, giving thousands of young people the opportunity to meet employers, explore future careers and experience the exciting world of STEM firsthand.”

To find out more about STEMFest, visit: stem-hub.co.uk/stemfest/