Scottish STEM charity, TechFest, is celebrating a landmark year of achievement, having reached more than 50,000 people in 2025 across the UK through its education, engagement and outreach programmes.
Over the past year, TechFest has continued to deliver on its mission to make Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fun, engaging and accessible for all, getting 52,559 participants across its year-round programme of activities and events, and successfully reaching 30 out of 32 Scottish educational authorities.
Through work and partnerships with schools, local communities, education institutions and ambassadors, the organisation has inspired learners of all ages to explore STEM subjects, develop new skills and build confidence in their abilities, while also supporting educators and families across the country.
Dr Martha Gavan, managing director at TechFest
Dr Martha Gavan, managing director at TechFest, said: “Reaching more than 50,000 people in a single year shows great 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.
“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.”
This exceptional level of reach has been driven by the success of several flagship programmes. TechFest’s Primary Outreach, a catalogue of STEM school workshops taken across Scotland to help engage pupils in a fun and dynamic way, has proven particularly impactful, reaching more than 15 thousand people.
As well as that, 24 Days of STEM, a festive programme engaging people of all ages with interactive STEM challenges every day until Christmas has also continued to grow in scale, achieving a record number of participants.
The charity’s achievements reflect the dedication and expertise of its staff, volunteers, ambassadors, partners and supporters, whose collective efforts have enabled STEM opportunities to reach communities in every part of the UK.
This milestone year also coincides with a new chapter for TechFest, following the appointment of Martha as Managing Director. With more than seven years’ experience at the organisation, including four as Deputy Managing Director, Martha has played a key role in expanding TechFest’s reach.
As Managing Director, she will build on this momentum, championing engaging and inspiring STEM activities that support young people and contribute to Scotland’s growing STEM-rich knowledge economy.
She added: “With strong foundations, a clear sense of purpose and growing national reach, the organisation enters the coming year well positioned to continue making a lasting difference and ensuring STEM remains exciting, relevant and accessible for generations to come.”
TechFest’s mission is made possible through the vital support of funders, sponsors and partners who share its commitment and passion to inspiring the next STEM generation.
Its impressive reach and impact this year have been achieved through strong partnerships with organisations across industry, education and the public sector. The charity welcomes new industry partners who are keen to support and inspire the future workforce, and encourages anyone interested in learning more to get in touch with Martha to explore opportunities to get involved.