What will the technologies of the future look like? The answer was offered by the final round of STEAM Slam 2026, held on 23 June in Lecture Hall Q at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Brno University of Technology (BUT). Twelve high school teams took to the stage to present their technology, science, and innovation projects.
“STEAM Slam is not a traditional showcase of teamwork. Participants present their own ideas and solutions to real-world problems, work with modern technologies, and learn how to communicate their projects to an audience. These experiences are invaluable for their future studies and careers,” says chief organizer Monika Školová, Project Manager of the STEAM Clubs programme.
STEAM Slam also serves as the culmination of a year-long effort by participants in the STEAM Clubs, which support talented secondary school students in developing their interests in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics. “The STEAM Clubs programme enables young people to develop their talents and skills in the most effective way possible – through experiential learning,” adds Jiří Nantl, Director of JCMM. Since becoming part of JCMM’s talent development programmes in 2023, the STEAM Clubs have already engaged more than 350 students.
| You can find the full photo album by Václav Široký here. |
The event connects the worlds of education, research, and modern technology. It is intended not only for secondary school students but also for teachers, experts, industry representatives, and the wider public. Its aim is to introduce young people to concrete opportunities for further study and career development while inspiring them to pursue their own creative and project-based activities.
The STEAM Slam finals were also attended by distinguished guests from academia, the public sector, and industry, who actively joined the discussions. Among them were CEITEC Masaryk University researcher and leader of the Brain and Mind STEAM Club Luboš Brabenec, and Tomáš Ridoško of OHB Czechspace, supervisor of several successful Czech secondary-school research projects focused on space topics. Their participation underscored the importance of supporting technical education and nurturing talented young people.
In addition to the student presentations, visitors could enjoy a science stand-up performance by FAMELab winners, a panel discussion featuring successful secondary-school research competition participants and scientists, and a rich accompanying programme. Participants also had the opportunity to explore selected laboratories and research facilities at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, including the internal combustion engine test facility, the anechoic chamber, the laboratory for autonomous vehicle control and digital twins, and workplaces focused on mechatronics, robotics, electronics, and cybernetics.