STEM challenge showcases Mid Sussex students' talents

Students from across the district took part in a thrilling race at the South of England Showground in Ardingly for the annual Mid Sussex STEM Challenge.

Their task was to research, develop and build a remote-controlled vehicle to navigate an obstacle course. Students also had to fulfil a brief with specifications including artificial intelligence, camera attachment and a motorised chassis.

Students taking part in the challenge were supported by local engineering and medical supply companies who acted as mentors, working with schools to share their knowledge and provide students with a "real-world" view of working in the industry.

Professor Winfried Hensinger, local business owner and director of the Sussex Centre for Quantum Technologies, called the race 'truly outstanding' and said the level of innovation on display was 'amazing'.

He said: "This is the best way to get students into STEM subjects – it has to start now. I build quantum computers and we need more people here in Britain to engage in STEM. "