Students from 20 schools across NSW have put their ideas for the future of Sydney Science Park in Luddenham to the test, working in cross-school teams to design and pitch innovative urban development solutions at the 2026 Celestino STEM Schools Challenge Grand Finale.
The Grand Finale brought together 134 students from Years 4 to 10, marking the culmination of a year-long program that involved 1,673 students in practical STEM learning, industry engagement and project development.
Prior to the grand finale students participated in a year of school-based projects, immersive field days onsite in Luddenham, mentoring and feedback from industry and subject-matter experts.
Professional learning for educators supported the program’s delivery throughout the year.
Bringing students together from different schools and year groups encouraged them to value different perspectives, contribute their strengths and work collaboratively towards a shared goal, all skills that will serve them well in the future.
With just 95 minutes to complete a design sprint, finalists were challenged to create an innovative solution that would make life more sustainable, connected, resilient, convenient, healthier, and safer for people living, working or learning in the future community in Western Sydney.
Each team received a persona to guide their thinking and understanding of that person’s aspirations, requirements and expectations before developing their idea, building a prototype and delivering a two-minute pitch of their solution to a judging panel.
Industry specialists supported teams throughout the challenge, helping students explore how their concepts could work in practice.
The Peak Pink Straw Team took first place for ‘Buddy Bus’, a concept designed to help keep teenagers safe, active and connected within their community. The team comprised students from Glenmore Park High School, Bishop Tyrrell Anglican College, Central Coast Grammar School, Our Lady of Mercy College, St Hurmizd Assyrian Primary School and Tyndale Christian School.
Monster Thinkers placed second with ‘Canopy Gardens’, which addressed heat and health by creating safe, inviting outdoor spaces. The team comprised students from Australian Islamic College of Sydney, Central Coast Grammar School, Loreto Normanhurst, Mamre Anglican School, Pymble Ladies’ College and St Narsai Assyrian Christian College.
STEM Dolphins took third place with ‘Longevity City’, a concept aimed at improving the lives of older people. The team comprised students from Hunter Christian School, John Therry Catholic College, Knox Grammar School, MLC School, Mount Annan Christian College and Pymble Ladies’ College.
Celestino CEO Matthew Scard said the Grand Finale demonstrated students’ ability to connect their STEM knowledge with the real-world opportunity of building a future community for people.
“The level of creativity, bold thinking, teamwork and problem-solving on display was incredibly impressive and inspiring,” said Mr Scard.
“We believe the experience showcased the diversity of possible careers and that it helped students understand the thought, planning and innovation that goes into creating communities, while showing them that they can play a role in shaping the places around them.”
NSW Parliamentary Secretary for Education and Early Learning and Parliamentary Secretary for Western Sydney Greg Warren, who attended the Grand Finale said, it was fantastic to see young people from across NSW bringing their creativity, teamwork and problem-solving skills together to tackle real challenges facing the communities of the future.
“Giving students opportunities to apply what they learn in the classroom to real-world challenges is exactly what makes STEM education so valuable,” he said.
Teams were assessed on how effectively their solution responded to their persona’s needs, its potential application within the future Aerotropolis development and its connections to other challenge pillars such as health, heat, urban agriculture, circular economy, water, energy, smart cities and transport.
Judges also rewarded creativity, prototype development, presentation quality and collaborative, respectful and inclusive teamwork.
By connecting classroom learning with a real development context, the Sydney Science Park STEM Schools Challenge gave students opportunities to discover how science, technology, engineering and mathematics can drive innovation, create new possibilities and contribute to shaping thriving communities for the future.
About us:
Founded in 2015 - with a legacy that dates back to 1916 - Celestino is a proudly Australian-owned, family-run property
developer focused on shaping communities across Australia.
Celestino is committed to creating tomorrow’s success stories by delivering visionary places to live, work, and play. Our
developments are designed to enrich lives while respecting the environment, blending lifestyle, sustainability and
opportunity.
Celestino is best known for delivering thriving master planned communities such as The Gables in Gables, NSW.
www.celestino.net.au
Contact details:
Morgan Clark
Premier Communications
0427 994 521
