CSconnected was proud to be named a finalist in the Educational Programme of the Year – Not-for-profit category at the Wales STEM Awards 2026, recognising the impact of its Sparking STEM Futures initiative in inspiring the next generation of STEM talent across South Wales.

The Wales STEM Awards 2026, held at Techniquest in Cardiff on 1^st October, shone a spotlight on the organisations and individuals making a real difference to the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) agenda in Wales. The awards recognise those driving innovation, developing skills, tackling the STEM diversity gap and inspiring the next generation.

CSconnected was shortlisted in the Educational Programme of the Year Not-for-profit category for Sparking STEM Futures, a strategic, region-wide programme designed to inspire and develop the next generation of STEM talent, with a focus on the compound semiconductor industry in South Wales. Other nominees in this category were Engineering Education Scheme Wales – Introduction to Engineering (I2E), Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum CiC2, Royal Academy of Engineering – TiES: WV, STEM Untapped – STEM Friends Pen Pal, The Darwin Centre – Dragon Darwin Experience, and Theatr na nÓg – Dal y Gwynt.

Being shortlisted alongside so many outstanding projects highlights the strength of STEM education and outreach taking place across Wales, as well as the importance of collaboration between education providers, industry and other partners in developing the skills pipeline needed for the future.

Following the success of the 2025 programme, which reached 13,345 students, Sparking STEM Futures 2026 is scaling proven outreach activity while piloting new approaches designed to strengthen the long-term sustainability of STEM engagement across South Wales.

The 2026 programme is being delivered in partnership with Engineering Education Scheme Wales (EESW STEM Cymru), Iungo Solutions, Oriel Science, Techniquest, the University of South Wales and Wild Connect.

Activities include hands-on workshops for primary and secondary pupils, STEM clubs, teacher CPD, accredited learning pathways, STEM challenges, public engagement activities and immersive theatre-in-education experiences. The programme aims not only to inspire young people to engage with STEM, but also to help schools and teachers embed semiconductor-related learning beyond the lifetime of the programme.

Brandon Jones, Skills Manager at CSconnected, said:

“Over the past year, we’ve continued to build on the strong foundations created through Sparking STEM Futures 2025, reaching young people through engaging, practical STEM experiences and helping them understand how the technology around them connects to exciting careers right here in Wales.

“Being shortlisted for this award is recognition of the fantastic collaboration behind the programme. Schools, education providers, universities and industry partners are all playing an important role in building awareness of semiconductors and creating a stronger, more sustainable STEM talent pipeline for South Wales.”

CSconnected would like to congratulate Theatr na nÓg – Dal y Gwynt on winning Educational Programme of the Year (Not-for-profit) and extend its congratulations to all winners and nominees recognised at this year’s awards.

CSconnected would also like to thank its Sparking STEM Futures delivery partners, schools, teachers, industry partners and funders for their continued support in inspiring the next generation of STEM talent across South Wales.

Find out more about Sparking STEM Futures on the CSconnected website.

About CSconnected

CSconnected is the not-for-profit organisation driving the world’s first compound semiconductor cluster in South Wales. It brings together industry, academia, government and community to build a fully integrated ecosystem spanning world-class research, prototyping and global-scale manufacturing.

The cluster underpins the technologies set to define the next decade, including AI, clean energy, advanced communications and defence. Built on more than a decade of sustained investment, it represents a unique concentration of capability driving a new Welsh industrial revolution.

CSconnected works to accelerate growth, attract inward investment, and turn world-class expertise into long-term industrial and economic value for Wales and the UK —helping power the UK’s industrial future.

Website: csconnected.com 
LinkedIn: CSconnected

Notes to editors

Contact

Nina Stevens
CSconnected
comms@csconnected.com