March 25, 2024, by aezdb

YES: Fostering Diversity, Igniting Innovation

YES (Your Entrepreneurs Scheme) is an innovative global competition developed to raise awareness among Master’s and PhD students, postdoctoral researchers, research fellows, and technicians about how ideas can be commercialised. The scheme brings individuals together to create hypothetical science and engineering solutions to address real environmental and social challenges.

Since its formation in 1995, we are delighted that we have been able to help over 6,500 participants across 28 years to develop their ideas and grow their entrepreneurial skill set.

In the dynamic realm of STEM entrepreneurship, we strive to stand as a beacon of inclusivity and innovation. Over the years since inception the scheme, founded by the University of Nottingham and BBSRC, has evolved into a global force for change in STEM entrepreneurship education. According to national statistics, women make up just 29.4% of the STEM workforce in the UK (The Government Equality Hub, 2023) and the percentage of the STEM workforce from a Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic background is just 8% (Black History Month Organisation, 2023). At YES, we believe anyone with the passion and drive to succeed in STEM should be given the opportunity to do so, no matter who you are, or where you’re from. For YES23, 55% of our participants were female, and 42% from a BAME background, way ahead of the aforementioned national averages.

Addressing the gender bias ingrained in entrepreneurship and education is of the utmost importance to us. Dr Pai Achtzehn, Assistant Professor in Inclusive Entrepreneurship, completed her PhD studies on inclusivity in STEM entrepreneurship with a focus on YES (more on that here). Her research echoes the scheme’s impact as one of the most inclusive global competitions for Master’s and PhD students, postdoctoral researchers, research fellows, and technicians by reducing gender barriers. By challenging stereotypes, YES empowers participants to perceive entrepreneurship as an inclusive pursuit, free from preconceived notions.

The University of Nottingham’s GO₂ team won the prize for Best Engineering Business Plan. The team’s project was a mobile app that utilises smartphone sensors and machine learning to study young commuters’ travel patterns and suggest eco-friendly alternatives.

The GO₂ team said: “YES23 gave us the opportunity to assemble a diverse and creative team with a shared mission to contribute to the planet’s preservation, shaping our journey towards a sustainable future.”

Team members: Harriet Cameron, Simon Castle-Green, Keziah Magit, llayda Macit and Jorge Llamas 

At YES, we seek to not only gather a diverse cohort of participants; but to weave a narrative of innovation, break down barriers, and reshape the future of STEM entrepreneurship. As we reflect on our 28-year journey, it is more important than ever that we continue to champion diversity in STEM.

If you’re interested in being a participant of YES24, or if you simply want more information, follow this link.

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