Online programme a major success

Innovative Young Minds’ (IYM) 2026 Online Programme has drawn to a close, marking not only an extraordinary week of learning and connection, but also a significant milestone: 10 years of IYM inspiring young women across Aotearoa to explore futures in STEMM.

This year’s programme brought together 100 Year 11 and 12 students from around the motu - the largest cohort to date - reflecting both the growing demand for IYM’s programmes and the increasing ambition of young women to engage with STEMM.

Across four fast-paced days, participants explored everything from space careers and biomedical science through to artificial intelligence, digital wellbeing and Māori data governance. They also took part in the Rio Tinto Innovation Challenge, applying their learning in real time to develop creative, practical solutions to real-world problems, an experience widely praised by the Challenge judges and funders for the depth and originality of student thinking.

Programme Manager Brooke Turner says the week reflects exactly what IYM was created to do.

“This programme is more than a series of sessions, it’s a catalyst for confidence, ambition and future direction. What we’ve seen this week is young women stepping up, sharing ideas, and beginning to see themselves as future leaders in STEMM.”

The success of the programme is built on the strength of the wider IYM community. Speakers from across industry and academia generously shared their expertise, while alumnae returned to support, mentor and inspire the next generation.

The Rio Tinto Innovation Challenge was a particular hit. Says: Rio Tinto’s Specialist Process Engineer, Carbon, Savannah Egerton: "It was fantastic to be involved in this year's Innovation Challenge. The students had some fantastic ideas for how to solve some of the challenges we face on site, and some are not only innovative but also implementable."

IYM extends its sincere thanks to its programme funders - Rio Tinto, Tech Step, Gattung Foundation, IRANZ and Spark Foundation - whose support makes opportunities like this possible.

As the programme concludes, one thing is clear: while the week may be over, the impact is only just beginning. For these 100 young women - and for IYM, now in its tenth year — the future of STEMM in Aotearoa looks brighter than ever.