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CompetitionEUK Education (EngineeringUK)

The Big Bang Competition

Enter a science or engineering project, alone or in a team, and get feedback from STEM professionals. Finalists can show it at The Big Bang Fair.

By the Born to Engineer editorial team Checked

At a glance

Run by
EUK Education (EngineeringUK)[1]
Who it’s for
Students aged 11 to 18 at state-funded schools, home educated or in a community group[1]
Cost
Free[2]
Year groups
Year 9, Year 10, Year 11, Year 12, Year 13
Where
UK-wide
Format
Hybrid

The Big Bang Competition recognises and rewards young people’s achievements in all areas of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM), whilst providing them with the opportunity to build their skills and confidence in project-based work. The Competition is open to students aged 11 to 18 in full-time state-funded secondary education, home educated or entering as part of a community group, and students can enter online and via regional heats.[1]

The UK Finals take place at The Big Bang Fair, held over three days at the NEC in Birmingham in June.[5] Finalists compete for over £20,000 worth of amazing prizes, including top and runner-up prizes in the Junior, Intermediate and Senior categories for science and engineering, as well as the coveted titles of Big Bang UK Young Engineer of the Year[6] and UK Young Scientist of the Year. Finalists also have the chance to win exclusive special sponsor awards and trips abroad.

Sources

6 sources

  1. EUK Education (EngineeringUK)

    The Big Bang Competition rules and eligibility

    Competitors must be aged between 11 and 18 when the project is entered, and in full-time state funded secondary education or who are home educated or who enter as part of a community group.

    Checked 14 October 2026

  2. EUK Education (EngineeringUK)

    The Big Bang Competition rules and eligibility

    Competitors must be aged between 11 and 18 when the project is entered, and in full-time state funded secondary education or who are home educated or who enter as part of a community group.

    Checked 14 October 2026

  3. EUK Education (EngineeringUK)

    Enter The Big Bang Competition

    The Big Bang Competition is now open for entries! Submit your project until Friday 12 March 2027 at 4pm.

    Checked 14 October 2026

  4. EUK Education (EngineeringUK)

    The Big Bang Competition rules and eligibility

    Online entry will open in the Autumn term 2026 and close Friday 12 March 2027, at 4pm.

    Checked 14 October 2026

  5. EUK Education (EngineeringUK)

    The Big Bang Fair

    Taking place over 3 days at the NEC in Birmingham, The Fair will return in June 2027.

    Checked 14 October 2026

  6. EUK Education (EngineeringUK)

    Big Bang Competition finalists and winners

    Big Bang UK Young Engineer of the Year, supported by Thales

    Checked 14 October 2026

Details checked by the Born to Engineer editorial team. Always confirm dates on the provider’s site before applying.

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