Gaylene Hughes First of all, a heartfelt thank you to you — our readers, supporters, alumnae, teachers, parents, programme partners, and investors. Your belief in Innovative Young Minds (IYM) and in our mission to open doors for young women in STEMM has carried us to this remarkable milestone: 10 years of programmes, impact, and possibility. It’s hard to believe a decade has passed since IYM first began. What hasn’t changed is the thrill I feel each year when I see the energy and excitement...

We need you! Actually, it’s not just IYM who needs you – it’s our next generation of female STEMM leaders who need your support. We all need you! Behind every confident young woman stepping into STEMM is an opportunity someone helped create. Backing IYM financially isn’t just about giving, it’s about investing in the future. Building a stronger talent pipeline. Ensuring diversity into future workforces. Inspiring the kind of innovation our economy depends on. That’s what we do. And we’ve...

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....