More young people from across Jersey schools are being given the opportunity to design, build and race their very own small-scale F1 car as part of the STEM Racing initiative (formerly F1 in Schools), which this year has been extended to include primary-aged pupils. The initiative this year is sponsored by technology firm C5 Alliance.
Brought to the island by Digital Jersey, the global STEM Racing competition aims to help students to develop essential STEM skills, gain hands-on teamwork experience and connect with the industries shaping the future of technology.
Digital Jersey has become the Channel Islands ‘Centre of Excellence’ for the educational challenge-style programme, which is now in its second year.
Once again, this year, the Secondary Programme, for students aged 11 – 18, will see teams develop their own mini compressed CO2-powered racing car using computer aided design (CAD) and simulation software, while also honing their manufacturing, business and marketing skills ahead of the ‘Jersey Regionals’ in December. The successful top four teams from the Island will then progress to the UK Nationals where there is the opportunity to qualify to compete against teams from across the globe at the World Finals.
Meanwhile, the new Primary Programme for those aged 9 – 11 will open for entries in September and will also see pupils work in teams to design and build a mini race car, made primarily out of paper and card, powered by compressed CO2 canisters. Mentored by older students and with ongoing support from Digital Jersey, the teams will have a chance to showcase and race their designs at a Jersey regional event at the start of 2026.
Commenting on the expanded programme, Tony Moretta, CEO, Digital Jersey, said: “After a successful launch last year, we’re really pleased to be able to expand the STEM Racing initiative this year to include both primary and secondary school students across Jersey. The programme offers an incredible hands-on opportunity for young people to develop vital STEM and business skills in a fun, engaging, and highly creative environment. With the chance to represent the Island on a national and even global stage, it’s a fantastic way to inspire the next generation of innovators, engineers, and entrepreneurs.”
Matthew Corbin, CEO of C5 Alliance added: “This programme is ultimately all about nurturing imagination in a fun environment and we’re really pleased to be supporting it this year. Our business is committed to nurturing the next generation of digital talent and we recognise the importance of developing STEM skills in schools – in particular asit is being rolled out across a broader age range. The programme offers a really valuable learning opportunity for local students with the potential to open up doors for them in the Island’s dynamic and varied technology sector in the future.”
Last year saw 13 teams from secondary schools take part, with teams ‘Vanguard Racing’ and ‘Dark Pace’, and ‘Phoenix Performance’ emerging as the champions in their respective categories after a competitive day of racing at Highlands College.
More information on the initiative, including how schools can register, is available here.
