Ballymena Rotary Club’s Technology Challenge sparks innovation among young engineers

The Cullybackey College team who finished first place in Ballymena Rotary Club’s annual technology challenge, hosted by Northern Regional College.

In a vibrant display of creativity and technical prowess, over seventy Year 10 pupils from nine post-primary schools across Ballymena converged at Northern Regional College for the annual Ballymena Rotary Club Technology Challenge.

Now in its ninth year, the event tasked students with designing and constructing a Space Capsule Launcher, igniting a passion for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) subjects among the next generation of innovators.

The challenge, chaired by Rotarian John Adams and supported by Rotary members Jim Briggs, Peter Chestnut, and Northern Regional College’s Engineering lecturer Caoimhe Dickey, required teams of four to build a launcher using only provided materials.

The objective was to propel a capsule—represented by a golf air ball—through a designated hoop, achieving a minimum height of three metres, before returning it as close as possible to the launch pad using a trigger-release mechanism.

The task tested not only technical expertise but also teamwork, communication, and innovative problem-solving.

Pupils from St Benedict’s College, Cambridge House Grammar School, Ballymena Academy, Cullybackey College, Slemish College, St Patrick’s College, Dunclug College, Castle Tower School, and St Louis Grammar School participated, vying for a top prize of £200 and a runner-up prize of £100.

The Cambridge House Grammar School team who finished second place in Ballymena Rotary Club’s annual technology challenge, hosted by Northern Regional College.

After a day of intense competition, Cullybackey College clinched first place, with Cambridge House Grammar School securing second and St Louis Grammar School taking third. The winning teams were lauded for their exceptional engineering skills and collaborative spirit.

A Platform for Future STEM Leaders

The Technology Challenge has become a cornerstone of STEM education in Ballymena, offering Year 10 pupils a hands-on opportunity to explore the practical applications of classroom learning.

Northern Regional College’s Engineering lecturer, Neil Glasgow, emphasised the event’s role in shaping future career paths:

“Events like the Technology Challenge help students discover the excitement of engineering and problem-solving. With key academic choices ahead, this challenge provides a fun and practical insight into how STEM skills apply beyond the classroom and into future careers.”

Neil added, “Welcoming local post-primary schools to our campus for this challenge allows students to experience our facilities and explore the wide range of STEM courses available at Northern Regional College.

“The energy and problem-solving skills on display were inspiring, and it’s exactly this kind of hands-on experience that helps ignite a real passion for STEM subjects.”

The judging panel, led by Jonathan Proctor from Sentinus and supported by Jimmy Kelly and Bronagh Gordon from Clarke, and Therese McNicholl from Wrightbus, evaluated the teams on their technical designs, innovation, and execution.

The St Louis Grammar team who finished in third place in Ballymena Rotary Club’s annual technology challenge, hosted by Northern Regional College.

Peter Chestnut, President of the Ballymena Rotary Club and chairperson of the judging panel, praised the participants’ ingenuity:

“This challenge goes beyond testing technical knowledge; it encourages critical thinking, problem-solving and collaboration skills essential for future careers in STEM. It’s inspiring to see young people embracing these challenges with such enthusiasm and creativity.”

Fostering Innovation Through Community Support

The success of the Technology Challenge owes much to the generous sponsorship of local businesses, which John Adams acknowledged with gratitude.

“As Chair, I express sincere appreciation to local businesses for their generous sponsorship, acknowledging their role in ensuring the continued success of the Rotary Club’s Technology Challenge and its impact on aspiring young engineers in the community,” Adams said.

By engaging students in real-world engineering scenarios, the challenge not only hones their technical abilities but also prepares them for the collaborative and innovative demands of STEM careers. The task of designing a space capsule launcher pushed participants to think like professional engineers, balancing precision, creativity, and practicality.

Inspiring the Next Generation

For pupils facing crucial academic decisions, the Technology Challenge serves as a timely reminder of the opportunities within STEM fields.

Northern Regional College, as the host, showcased its state-of-the-art facilities and diverse STEM courses, encouraging students to consider further education in these disciplines. For more information on the college’s offerings, visit nrc.ac.uk.

As the Ballymena Rotary Club looks ahead to its tenth Technology Challenge, the event continues to solidify its reputation as a catalyst for inspiring young minds.

With Cullybackey College crowned champions of 2025, the stage is set for another year of innovation, teamwork, and discovery in Ballymena’s thriving STEM community.