BCE’s STEM MAD bigger, bolder, and more accessible than ever!

The countdown is on for STEM MAD 2026, as 98 Brisbane Catholic Education (BCE) student teams get ready to compete and ‘Make a Difference’ (MAD) on 14 September.

This year, BCE’s flagship Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics event has undergone a major transformation, moving online to remove barriers and create opportunities for even more students to get involved.

The new format ensures students can still experience everything that makes the competition special, from showcasing projects that ‘Make a Difference’ and engaging in hands-on STEM activities, to connecting with peers across schools, hearing from inspiring guest speakers, and celebrating success at the awards ceremony.

In another sign that STEM MAD is continuing to gain momentum, students from outside the BCE system will once again join the showcase, expanding opportunities for young innovators as far north as Zenadth Kes (also known as the Torres Strait Islands).

STEM MAD organiser and BCE Lead Education Advisor Rochelle said Our Lady of the Sacred Heart School, Waiben and Kirriri will be teaming up with St Finbarr’s School, Ashgrove for the second year in a row, with students tackling some of the most pressing challenges facing Zenadth Kes.

“From protecting marine life and restoring seagrass habitats, to reducing the impact of invasive species and improving community health outcomes, these projects demonstrate the power of young people to develop innovative, real-world solutions for their communities,” she said.

Among the innovative creations emerging from St Finbarr’s School, Ashgrove and Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, Waiben and Kirriri: 

Wapi Rescue is a smart buoy system designed to combat illegal fishing and overfishing in the Zendath Kes. Powered by solar energy, the buoy uses cameras, GPS, wireless communication and artificial intelligence to identify vessels and compare them against a database of registered boats. 

TSI Pest Control addresses the growing threat of cane toads across the Zendath Kes Islands. Developed in consultation with experts from the Torres Strait Regional Authority, the solution uses a two-part trapping system that targets both adult cane toads and tadpoles. By disrupting the pest at multiple stages of its life cycle, the project offers a practical and sustainable way to protect native wildlife and support environmental conservation across the region.

Seagrass Guards is focused on protecting and restoring seagrass meadows, a vital food source for dugongs. Informed by the knowledge of Torres Strait Islander Elders, Rangers and community experts, the project combines smart sensors, rotational grazing technology and seagrass seed dispersal systems to monitor and regenerate seagrass habitats. 

Heart for Heart was created to raise awareness of Rheumatic Heart Disease and support better health outcomes in Torres Strait communities. The prototype device includes a pulse reader, medication storage, a daily health checklist and an emergency help button, enabling users to monitor key health indicators and access support when needed. 

Other inventions to watch out for at this year’s competition include:

Chisholm Catholic College, Cornubia

Chisholm Catholic College, Cornubia’s interactive cybersecurity app Cyber Academy, is entering the competition for the first time.

The app is designed to teach digital safety in a way that is engaging, practical, and accessible for all students. Utilising interactive scenarios and real-world examples to help young people recognise online risks, develop safe digital habits, and build confidence navigating the digital world. 

Chisholm Catholic College Year 12 student Mason said he wanted to create something that would help students of his own age.

“Technology is a huge part of everyday life, so we thought it was important to find a way to make cybersecurity education more engaging and relatable,” he said.

Mater Dei Catholic Primary School, Ashgrove West

While at Mater Dei Catholic Primary School students have developed Shark Savers, an innovative safety system designed to help reduce the risk of shark attacks. Combining a drone, submarine and alert technology, the project aims to provide swimmers and surfers with early warnings, helping keep beachgoers safe while promoting smarter approaches to shark monitoring.

As Year 4 student Alex explained, "we're trying to make sure that no one gets hurt or injured by shark attacks”.

Our Lady of the Rosary School, Kenmore 

For the Year 6 students at Our Lady of the Rosary School, Kenmore, STEM learning became an opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of elderly people. 

Their STEM MAD project, IMO (Independent Memory Organisation), was developed to support elderly people living with dementia through a digital calendar designed to make everyday life easier. The prototype includes features such as voice-activated reminders, scheduling assistance and family communication tools, helping users stay connected and organised. The project was inspired by student research into the growing impact of dementia on the community and challenged students to apply their learning to a genuine real-world need.  

Find a Catholic school near you today! Click here. 

Image caption: St Finbarr's School Ashgrove STEM MAD inventors Nika and Luke present their innovative creation Wapi Rescue. ©Brisbane Catholic Education (2026).