The 5^th Hands-on Islamabad STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Camp successfully concluded on 8^th August 2026 at the Main Campus of Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU), Islamabad, providing young students with an engaging platform to explore science, technology and engineering through practical, hands-on learning.

The six-day Camp, held from 3 to 8 August 2026, was jointly organized by the ECO Science Foundation (ECOSF), Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU), Pakistan Science Club (PSC), and NUVEX. The initiative builds upon the successful collaboration between ECOSF, AIOU and PSC in previous editions of the Islamabad STEM Camp. This year, NUVEX joined the initiative as a new partner, adding engineering, aerodynamics and racing-car activities to the programme. The 5^th Islamabad STEM Camp was organized with the shared vision of inspiring young minds to learn, experiment, innovate and develop solutions to real-world challenges through STEM.

A total of 105 students participated in the Camp, with 80 students engaged by Pakistan Science Club and 25 students by NUVEX. The programme adopted a hands-on, project-based approach, enabling students to apply scientific and engineering concepts to practical, real-world challenges.

Under the PSC component, students worked on a range of innovative projects, including the design of a light-guided rescue/maze-solving robot, designing and testing a solar cooker, developing a solar water purification system, constructing and testing an earthquake-resistant structure, and designing and presenting an emergency shelter prototype.

These activities provided students with practical exposure to robotics, renewable energy, water purification, structural engineering, disaster resilience and engineering design. The projects also encouraged participants to develop creativity, teamwork, critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

The NUVEX component introduced students to engineering principles behind automotive engineering, from scientific concepts and digital design to simulation and physical assembly. Students gained practical exposure to real-world engineering, prototyping and manufacturing processes.

During the Camp, Dr. Robina Awan, Prime Minister’s Focal Person on Youth Program, accompanied by President ECOSF, also visited the Camp. She observed first-hand how these interactive and engaging activities help establish a solid scientific foundation among children from an early age. Dr. Awan congratulated the ECOSF leadership and all partner organizations on the successful conduct of the Camp.

Following are some glimpses of the Camp Activities:

Closing Ceremony

The Camp concluded with a Closing Ceremony attended by students, parents, organizers, facilitators, volunteers and representatives of the partner organizations. Prof. Seyed Komail Tayebi, President ECOSF, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. Addressing the ceremony as Chief Guest, Prof. Seyed Komail Tayebi, President ECOSF, appreciated the successful organization of the Camp and thanked the partner organizations, students, parents, volunteers and all other individuals who contributed to its success. He emphasized the importance of encouraging young people to explore science and technology through practical learning and collaborative educational initiatives. He also added that STEM Camp 5 provided young participants with a window into real-world science, technology, engineering, prototyping, and manufacturing processes.

Dr. Farkhanda Chaudhry of Science Education Department of AIOU welcomed all the distinguished guests, students, parents, volunteers and the organizers, on behalf of Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU).

Mr. Abdul Rauf, CEO Pakistan Science Club, gave an overview of the STEM activities conducted by PSC during the Camp and highlighted the importance of practical learning in developing scientific and innovative thinking among young students. He appreciated support of ECOSF and AIOU to launch the camp.

Mr. Muhammad Saad of NUVEX briefed the participants about NUVEX and its contribution to the Camp, particularly its activities related to engineering, aerodynamics and racing cars.

Students and parents also shared their experiences at the Camp and expressed appreciation for the opportunity to participate in practical STEM activities in an interactive learning environment.

Dr. Muhammad Afzal Tanveer, Chairman, Department of Science Education, AIOU, addressed the ceremony on behalf of the Vice Chancellor of AIOU. He appreciated the efforts of the organizers and emphasized the importance of promoting STEM education among young learners. He also assured stronger collaboration and support of AIOU next year to organize such events.

The ceremony concluded with the distribution of certificates among the participating students, recognizing their participation and enthusiasm throughout the Camp. The successful conclusion of the 5^th Hands-on Islamabad STEM Camp reflects the commitment of ECOSF and its partners to promoting science education, innovation, creativity and practical STEM learning among young people. The initiative also demonstrates the value of collaboration among educational institutions, science organizations and technology partners in nurturing the next generation of scientists, engineers and innovators.