The Tanzania STEM Innovation Competition 2026 is a nationwide initiative carried out by Adilisha Child and Youth Development through the Adilisha STEM Labs digital platforms. It aims to reach 200 public secondary schools across all regions of Tanzania, whereby each participating school is required to form a group of 10 students with at least 70% female representation and register no fewer than 75 students on the platform.

Each team will identify a real social problem and develop a tangible, functional prototype solution using STEM concepts and locally sourced materials. The competition will pass through eight structured stages, namely: Registration, Idea Submission, Regional Shortlisting, Prototype Development, Mentor Onboarding, Prototype Refinement, and National Pitching and Awards Event in December 2026.

To recognize and reward outstanding innovation and impact, the top three teams at the national level will receive the following prizes:

• 1st Place: 5,000,000 TZS
• 2nd Place: 3,000,000 TZS
• 3rd Place: 1,000,000 TZS

Teacher (School Representative):
Completes the school profile, uploads or enters student records, confirms the school meets the 75+ registered students requirement, selects the 10-member team (ensuring at least 70% female representation), and submits official forms at each phase of the competition.

Students:
Participate in problem identification, research, prototype development, testing, and (where applicable) pitching. Students do not log into the platform unless student accounts are introduced later—follow the teacher’s guidance at all times.

Before You Start

• Read the Terms and Conditions in full
• Gather school registration details and a complete list of participating students (full name, sex, class/form)
• Plan how you will meet the local materials requirement and keep simple evidence such as receipts, photos, or notes

Getting Help

Use in-platform notices and your assigned regional contact (if provided). For technical issues such as login or file uploads, use the support channels below:

• Email: stem@adilisha.or.tz
• Support Email: support@adilishastemlabs.com
• Phone: +255 28 256 1724

1. Eligibility (School Type)
Participation is limited to public secondary schools registered in the United Republic of Tanzania. Private schools, international schools, and informal groups are not eligible unless the organisers publish a separate invitation.

2. Official School Representative
Each school must have one teacher account (school representative) responsible for the accuracy of school data, student records, uploads, and all competition submissions. The representative must accept these terms on behalf of the school.

3. Registration Volume (75+ Students)
Each school must register at least 75 students on the official portal by the registration closing date. This is a minimum institutional requirement. Late registration after the published deadline will not be accepted. The platform may block progression to the next phase until this threshold is met.

4. Team Composition (10 Students, 70% Female)
Each school nominates one team of up to 10 students drawn from its registered students. At least 70% of the team must be female students. All team members must be actively enrolled at the school, listed on the portal, and able to provide valid student identification if requested.

5. Accuracy of Information
Schools must provide truthful school details (including region/district), accurate student names and class levels, and honest declarations about projects and materials. Falsified documents, misrepresentation of gender or enrolment, or plagiarised work may lead to disqualification.

6. Project Focus and Integrity
Projects must address a documented community problem relevant to Tanzania and demonstrate STEM-based reasoning. Solutions should be safe, feasible, and appropriate for a school environment. Hazardous chemicals, unsafe electrical work, or weapons-related projects are not permitted.

7. Local Materials (75%)
Teams should use at least 75% locally sourced materials (by cost or by mass/volume—whichever method the organisers specify in the submission form). Schools may be asked to submit a materials log or project diary listing components, approximate cost, and origin (local vs imported). Organisers may verify entries through spot checks or regional visits.

8. Submissions and Deadlines
Unless the competition administrators explicitly reopen a submission, each phase closes on the published date. No late submissions will be accepted for that phase. Drafts should be completed before the deadline.

9. Judging and Progression
Shortlisting and awards are based on published criteria (for example: STEM soundness, community relevance, creativity, feasibility, use of local materials, prototype functionality, and quality of presentation). Judges’ and organisers’ decisions are final, subject only to correction of proven administrative error.

10. Media, Data, and Consent
Participating schools consent to reasonable use of anonymised or attributed project summaries, photos, and pitch recordings for education, reporting, and public awareness, in line with national child-protection norms. Personal data is handled according to the platform privacy notice.

11. Code of Conduct
Participants, teachers, mentors, and judges must treat one another with respect. Harassment, bullying, hate speech, or cheating may result in removal of content, loss of eligibility, or reporting to relevant authorities where required.

12. Changes
The organisers may issue clarifications or minor updates to schedules and forms. Material rule changes will be communicated through the portal and, where possible, with reasonable notice.