IQS-URL celebrated the second edition of the Dream it. STEM it competition, an initiative of the STEM4her program that reaffirms itself as a key proposal for sparking scientific and technological vocations among young students. The contest consolidates its growth both in participation and in the quality of ideas submitted, with nearly 200 projects.
Transformative Science Takes Center Stage at the 2nd Edition of "Dream it, STEM it" Awards
The proposals were developed by female students in Year 10 (73), Year 11 (69), and Year 12 (44), from schools in Catalonia and beyond, including international participation. Participating schools include Escola Sant Gervasi Cooperativa, Escola Canigó, La Miranda, Escola Pia de Terrassa, Vedruna Vall, Institut de Vilafant, Jesuïtes Sant Gervasi, Hamelin Laie International School and La Vall, as well as Colegio Philadelphia Internacional de Cali (Colombia).
The competition maintains its distinctive format based on the creation of videos, in which participants present innovative solutions to real-world challenges, evaluating both scientific knowledge and the ability to communicate it with clarity and creativity.
Health and Sustainability: Young People’s Top Priorities
Beyond the numbers, analysis of the projects reveals a clear trend: participants understand technology as a tool at the service of people and the planet. Health accounts for 40% of proposals, with ideas focused on personalized and preventive medicine, such as diagnostic biochips or smart devices for patient monitoring.
Sustainability represents 37% of projects, with solutions aimed at combating the climate crisis — from new biodegradable materials to alternative energy systems and technologies to reduce pollution. Alongside these, artificial intelligence appears as a cross-cutting theme, applied primarily to improving health and wellbeing.
Recognizing Talent and School Engagement
The competition has recognized both the quality of projects and the commitment of participating schools. The award for the most-voted video went to Smart Nanoparticles Against Cancer, by Àfrica Soler Visa (Escola Sant Gervasi Cooperativa), a proposal exploring the use of nanoparticles capable of acting selectively on tumors, reducing the side effects of conventional treatments.
In terms of school participation, special recognition was given to those with the highest volume of submissions. La Vall (Bellaterra) took first place with 88 videos submitted, followed by Vedruna Vall (38) and Escola Sant Gervasi Cooperativa (32). All three schools were awarded funding earmarked for school equipment.
The jury also highlighted several projects for their scientific quality and social impact. The jury’s first prize went to Interatrial Communication, by Ona Venegas Durán (Escola Sant Gervasi Cooperativa), a work born from personal experience that explores this congenital heart condition with sensitivity and scientific rigor. The award includes a 75% scholarship to study at IQS, a cash prize, and participation in the Summer Camp.
The second prize went to Every Step Can Feed the Future, by Ivet Solé (La Vall), which proposes transforming human movement into energy, envisioning new forms of urban sustainability. The third prize recognized A Prosthesis: A Chance to Feel Again, by Carla Vidal Amat (Vedruna Vall), focused on the development of advanced prosthetics using 3D printing and smart artificial skin. Both projects were awarded 50% scholarships, cash prizes, and access to educational activities.
The awards ceremony concluded with a group photo of the winners and school representatives, as well as a closing gathering where all participants received their certificate and an IQS kit.
This competition is part of IQS’s STEM4her program, an initiative working to foster scientific and technological interest among young women, support their academic and professional development, and help reduce the gender gap in STEM — through activities, mentoring, and connections with role models in the sector.