The results are in – BCE’s STEM MAD students are changing the world!

Brilliant ideas took centre stage at Brisbane Catholic Education's (BCE) 2026 STEM 'Make a Difference' (MAD) Showcase on 14 September, where 98 student teams put their creativity into action to demonstrate that solving real-world problems is just part of their DNA. 

Whether developing practical solutions to protect marine wildlife or designing solar-powered smart buoys that use artificial intelligence to combat illegal fishing, students showcased ideas that reached far beyond the classroom and into the communities they hope to serve.

At the 2026 STEM MAD Showcase, BCE students competed for awards across five categories: People’s Choice, Primary, Secondary, Future is STEM, and the coveted Executive Director Award.  

Winning projects include:    

People's Choice Award(s) 

 Wapi Rescue, St Finbarr’s School, Ashgrove and Our Lady of the Sacred Heart School, Waiben and Kirriri

Waterway Cleaning Net Solution, Assisi Catholic College, Upper Coomera

Environmental Enthusiasts, St Bernadine's School, Regents Park

Bush Fire Preventor, Guardian Angels’ Primary School, Wynnum

Seagrass Guards, St Finbarr’s School, Ashgrove and Our lady of the Sacred Heart Waiben and Kirriri

Bin Bot, Jubilee Primary School, Pacific Pines

Blue Loop, St Joseph’s Primary School, Corinda

Sun Savers, Holy Spirit School, New Farm

Lunch Loop, St Columba’s Primary School, Wilston

IMO, Our Lady of the Rosary School, Kenmore

Hydrotech, Clairvaux MacKillop College, Upper Mt Gravatt

Project Pyro, St Mary’s College, Maryborough

Bet Bu$ter, St Mary’s College, Maryborough

Primary STEM 

Secondary STEM 

1st Bet Bu$ter, St Mary’s College, Maryborough

2nd Breathing Buddy, St Benedict’s College, Mango Hill

3rd Project Pyro, St Mary’s College, Maryborough

Future is STEM Award 

1st Neuro Ride, St Mary’s College, Maryborough

2nd Finding Balance, St Thomas’ School, Camp Hill

3rd RoKa Rescue, St Thomas More College, Sunnybank

Executive Director's Award, proudly sponsored by BCE

Primary winner, Sweet Saviour, Guardian Angels’ Catholic Primary School, Ashmore

Secondary winner, Safe Start, Siena Catholic College, Sippy Downs

Siena Catholic College STEM MAD innovators Martina, Liam, and Camden said their invention Safe Start could reduce drunk driving.

“A barrier comes up when the car parks, when the driver wants to get back in their car, they need to do a breathalyser test for the barrier to open in order to let the car out,” Martina said.

“This could be used at commercial venues,” Camden said.

“We are very proud to create something that can improve community safety,” Liam said.

“We are very excited to go to Nationals in Sydney,” Martina adds.

Primary Learning Leader Karen Siranovic was awarded the STEM MAD Teacher Award for her exceptional leadership in STEM education. Through fostering a culture of innovation at St Finbarr’s School, Ashgrove inspiring students to tackle real-world problems with creativity and confidence and pioneering the partnership with Our Lady of the Sacred Heart School, Waiben and Kirriri, she has created meaningful opportunities for students to engage with authentic community challenges and apply STEM learning to make a real difference. 

This year's STEM MAD Showcase also marked an exciting new chapter for the competition, with the re-introduction of an online format, helping more students participate, collaborate, and share their ideas with their peers.

STEM MAD organiser and BCE Lead Education Advisor Rochelle Smith said the evolution of the showcase reflected the growing enthusiasm for STEM learning across BCE and beyond.

"By removing geographical barriers, we've made it possible for young innovators from a wider range of schools and communities to share their ideas, learn from one another, and celebrate their achievements together," she said.

“Whole classes were able to join the online competition, be involved throughout the day, with some teams even selected to ‘pitch’ their ideas. 

“The new format ensured that students still experienced 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.”

This year, 336 student teams developed innovative STEM projects and inventions, with 98 teams selected to showcase their work. Extending the celebration of STEM innovation across the BCE community, Mater Dei Catholic Primary School, Ashgrove West, and St Andrew’s Catholic School, Ferny Grove, also held their own showcases, welcoming students and educators from across the system.

Another highlight of the day for students was hearing from former STEM MAD winners Skyla Birch and Terrell Jensen who returned as keynote speakers. Their stories demonstrated that STEM MAD is more than a competition, it can be the catalyst for future study, exciting careers, and lifelong innovation. Learn more about their stories here.

“To see them return to the stage and share how their experience at BCE’s STEM MAD competition has helped shape their education and career pathways, was incredibly inspiring,” Rochelle adds.

The Primary STEM, Secondary STEM, Future is STEM, and Executive Director’s Award winners and placegetters are eligible to attend STEM MAD Nationals in Sydney in November.  
 
For more information about the STEM MAD National competition click here.

Main image caption: Guardian Angels’ Catholic Primary School, Ashmore STEM MAD innovator Isabelle with her invention Sweet Saviour. ©Brisbane Catholic Education, Guardian Angels’ Catholic Primary School, Ashmore (2026).