What SmartSTEMs does

SmartSTEMs is a registered Scottish charity (SC046487), founded in 2015 by Stuart Macdonald, that delivers Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) engagement programmes to young people aged 10-14, with an explicit equity-of-access focus on communities identified via the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (SIMD 20). The organisation operates from Glasgow and does not run a software product; its core offering is a portfolio of event-based programmes — large-scale Hub Events (up to 500 participants), in-school workshops, virtual events, and themed outreach programmes such as Digital Dairy Chain (AgriTech), GEMINOA (air-quality monitoring with University of Strathclyde, using IoT sensors measuring CO2, NOx and particulate matter), Telefonica Tech (digital skills), Commsworld (telecommunications), Glasgow City Council digital skills, and Connected Airports (aviation careers). It is built as a multi-sided collaborative framework linking schools, universities, local authorities, and corporate sponsors, and has reached over 70,000 young people and 5,500+ schools across the UK over ten years, delivering 88,250+ learning hours in the past year.

The business model is charity-style and not transactional. Revenue comes from corporate sponsorship packages (starting at £1,000, typically on multi-year terms) and donations; beneficiaries — pupils, teachers, and schools — participate free of charge. Named corporate sponsors include JP Morgan, Scottish Power, Commsworld, Atos, Howden, Thales, Rolls Royce, and NatWest. Distribution is via direct school engagement, university and college venues (Glasgow Caledonian, Glasgow, Strathclyde, Aberdeen, Oxford, UWS, Glasgow Clyde, Ayrshire), and a corporate volunteer channel where sponsoring firms' employees act as workshop hosts and role models. The 18-person team is led by founder and CEO Stuart Macdonald, with a board of trustees drawn from industry and academia. The organisation has accumulated awards including the Scottish Cyber Awards Champion of Champions (2023), ScotlandIS Digital Tech for Good (2021), and the SAMEE Inspiring Diversity in STEM Award (2025).

Name

SmartSTEMs

Legal name

SmartSTEMs

Website

https://smartstems.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2015

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

SmartSTEMs is a registered Scottish charity that delivers STEM engagement events, workshops, and outreach programmes to young people aged 10-14 across the UK, funded by corporate sponsorship and donations, and powered by a network of 5,500+ schools, universities, and corporate partners.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

STEM Education Services

NAICS

Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations (813), Civic and Social Organizations (813410), Social Advocacy Organizations (8133), Civic and Social Organizations (81341)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

STEM, Digital Literacy & Maker Education Nonprofits (BPAGADAG)

akta.pro secondary industries

STEM & Maker Education (Makerspaces, Coding Clubs, Robotics) (EDAAAFAL), Environmental Science & Sustainability Programs (Ecology, Climate, Conservation) (EDAMABAD), Smart Cities & Urban Innovation Programs (Digital Planning, Civic Tech for Cities) (BPAIANAJ), Innovation & Design Thinking Programs (EDAMAHAD)

Keywords

• STEM education programs
• Youth outreach
• School workshops
• Digital skills training
• Career inspiration

Headquarters

HQ city

Glasgow, Scotland

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Corporate Sponsorship: Corporate sponsorship is a primary revenue stream. Companies sponsor SmartSTEMs events and programs, with sponsorship packages starting at £1,000. Sponsors include JP Morgan, Scottish Power, Scottish Water, Commsworld, Howden, and others. Sponsorship provides brand visibility, ESG credentials, and access to future talent pipeline.
2. Donations and Charitable Funding: SmartSTEMs is a registered Scottish charity (SC046487) that relies on donations and charitable funding to support operations and program delivery.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

SmartSTEMs delivers STEM engagement programs for young people aged 10-14 through large-scale Hub events (up to 500 participants), in-school workshops, virtual events, and outreach programs. The charity partners with industry sponsors and universities to provide hands-on STEM experiences, role models, and career exposure, targeting disadvantaged communities identified via the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (SIMD 20). Specific thematic projects include Digital Dairy Chain (AgriTech), GEMINOA (air quality monitoring), and partnerships with Telefonica Tech, Commsworld, and Glasgow City Council.

Product overview

SmartSTEMs is a registered charity (SC046487) that operates as a collaborative bridge between industry and education to inspire young people about Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths. The organization does not offer a traditional software product but rather delivers a portfolio of educational programs and services centered around in-person and virtual events, workshops, and outreach initiatives. The core offerings include large-scale Hub Events (up to 500 participants), Virtual Events, In-School Events, and targeted Outreach Programs. These programs are complemented by specific thematic projects including the Digital Dairy Chain (AgriTech), GEMINOA (air quality monitoring), Telefonica Tech (technology careers), Commsworld (telecommunications), and Glasgow City Council (digital skills) partnerships. Additional services include the #MyJob #MyJourney video campaign, teacher training, and freely accessible online STEM career resources. The organization primarily targets young people aged 10-14 at critical points before subject selection, with a focus on those from disadvantaged backgrounds using the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (SIMD 20).

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Hub Events Large-scale in-person events that bring together up to 500 young people, industry professionals, and educators for hands-on STEM workshops, interactive exhibitions, and career exploration activities. Targeted at young people aged 10-14.
• In-School Events

Quantifiable outcome

• 70,000+ young people reached over 10 years
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

25 partnerships are on record, tiered major, core and minor.

• SSEN SubseamajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023Partnership to bring STEM education to remote and rural communities in Scottish Highlands and Islands. Events in Inverness, Shetland, and Orkney during 2023-24. Over 600 pupils from 18 schools engaged with 2,600+ STEM learning hours. SSEN volunteers served as workshop guides and industry advocates.
• Glasgow City CouncilcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with GCC's Education and Digital Economy departments to deliver digital skills workshops across 24 primary schools. SmartSTEMs delivered interactive workshops focusing on practical digital skills, programming, cyber security, and technology advancement. 2,797 pupils and 108 teachers trained.
• Telefonica TechcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership to empower young people from underrepresented backgrounds in Scotland through interactive events and hands-on workshops. 1,570 pupils reached across 30 schools with 9,420 learning hours. Telefonica Tech employees contribute as workshop hosts, exhibitors, and mentors.
• CommsworldcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with UK telecommunications provider to deliver STEM workshops in North Lanarkshire. 3,769 STEM skills workshops delivered to pupils, engaging 41 schools with 12,222 digital skill learning hours.
• Digital Dairy ChaincoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership to inspire young people about STEM careers in dairy and AgriTech. 8,000+ pupils engaged, 132 schools visited, 136 organizations contributing 313+ volunteer days. Activities include farm visits, cheese production science, and robotic milking system demonstrations.
• University of Strathclyde (GEMINOA Project)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGEMINOA project addresses air quality and climate change through school engagement. University researchers provide scientific expertise while SmartSTEMs handles education and community engagement. 2,300 pupils across 35 schools learned about air quality monitoring using IoT sensors measuring CO2, NOx, and particulate matter.
• Connected Places CatapultmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerConnected Airports: Glasgow Future Skills project to excite young people about aviation careers. Over 200 students engaged at Glasgow Kelvin College and Ayrshire College. Created Scotland-specific lesson plans and engaged 10 aviation partner companies including BA, Loganair, and Spirit Aerosystems.
• Glasgow Caledonian UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHost venue for SmartSTEMs founding event in 2015-2016 and 10-year anniversary event in June 2025. Long-standing partnership supporting widening access and gender equality in STEM.
• University of GlasgowmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUniversity partner hosting SmartSTEMs events and supporting STEM engagement programs.
• University of OxfordmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner hosting SmartSTEMs events for young people aged 10-14.
• University of AberdeenmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUniversity partner hosting SmartSTEMs events.
• University of StrathclydecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerResearch partner for GEMINOA air quality monitoring project, collaborating on IoT sensors and data collection with Glasgow schools.
• University of the West of ScotlandmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUniversity partner with trustee Duncan Thomson as lecturer. Has organized multiple SmartSTEMs events at the university.
• Glasgow Clyde CollegemajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollege partner hosting SmartSTEMs events including at Anniesland campus.
• Ayrshire CollegemajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollege partner hosting Connected Airports events as part of Connected Places Catapult partnership.
• North Lanarkshire CouncilcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal authority partner for Commsworld STEM workshops, engaging schools across the region.
• East Renfrewshire CouncilmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal authority partner supporting SmartSTEMs programs in the region.
• Glasgow LifemajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCharitable organization partnered with SmartSTEMs and Glasgow City Council for digital divide initiatives.
• Nine Twenty EngineeringmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRecruitment company in Manufacturing & Engineering sectors. Managing Director Karen Stewart serves as SmartSTEMs trustee. Partner for Inspire events.
• STEM AmbassadorsmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProgram connecting STEM professionals as volunteers and role models at SmartSTEMs events.
• ScotlandISmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTrade body for digital technologies in Scotland. Partner supporting SmartSTEMs and seeking tech role models to inspire young people.
• Scottish Women in Tech (SWiT)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOrganization promoting gender diversity in tech. Multiple award winner alongside SmartSTEMs including Technology Networking Group of the Year 2017.
• CeeDmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborative enterprise development organization in Scotland supporting SmartSTEMs partnerships.
• DYW (Developing the Young Workforce)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational youth employment program with regional coordinators (DYW Lanarkshire and East Dunbartonshire) partnering with SmartSTEMs.
• Glasgow WarriorsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRugby team partnering with SmartSTEMs for community engagement and STEM awareness.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• EngineeringUK: EngineeringUK promotes engineering careers and skills through programmes like Tomorrow's Engineers and Big Bang. It directly competes with SmartSTEMs for corporate partner funding and school engagement on STEM outreach across the UK.
• Primary Engineer: Primary Engineer runs engineering projects and competitions for primary and secondary pupils across the UK. It directly overlaps with SmartSTEMs on age band, school engagement, and the goal of inspiring young people (especially underrepresented groups) into STEM careers.
• Speakers for Schools: Speakers for Schools connects state school students with professionals from leading UK employers via talks, workshops, and work experience. It is highly comparable to SmartSTEMs in leveraging corporate volunteers to expand young people's career horizons, particularly into STEM and high-skill sectors.
• WISE Campaign: WISE Campaign works to increase the participation of women in STEM. It overlaps with SmartSTEMs on gender equity in STEM, has co-won awards with the founder (Scottish Women in Technology), and competes for the same corporate gender-equality CSR budgets.
• STEM Learning (UK): STEM Learning is the UK's largest STEM education charity, delivering STEM Ambassadors, STEM Clubs, and CPD programmes to schools. It is the closest direct peer to SmartSTEMs, sharing a school-based delivery model, corporate volunteer activation, and focus on teacher empowerment across the UK.
• Smallpeice Trust: Smallpeice Trust inspires young people into engineering through residential courses, workshops, and teacher CPD. It shares SmartSTEMs' focus on hands-on engagement, school partnerships, and corporate sponsorship to widen access to STEM.

Broad incumbents

• Prince's Trust: Prince's Trust is a major UK youth charity supporting 11-30 year olds into education and employment, including STEM pathways. It is comparable as a large-scale UK youth engagement charity funded by corporate partners, though it serves a broader agenda than STEM alone.

Regional players

• Scottish Council for Development and Industry (SCDI): SCDI is a Scottish economic development membership organisation that connects business, government, and education. It is a regional peer that operates in the same Scottish ecosystem as SmartSTEMs, linking industry and education to drive skills outcomes including STEM.

Emerging players

• Code Club (Raspberry Pi Foundation): Code Club is a network of free coding clubs for 9-13 year olds run by volunteers and teachers. It overlaps with SmartSTEMs on the 10-14 age band and digital skills delivery, though it focuses specifically on coding rather than broader STEM.
• Digital Skills Education Ltd: Digital Skills Education delivers digital and STEM workshops to UK schools through corporate-sponsored programmes. It overlaps with SmartSTEMs on the digital skills curriculum, primary/secondary school delivery model, and corporate sponsorship model.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks2 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@smartstems6718
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/smartstems

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about SmartSTEMs