Celebrating Young Innovators: Highlights from the VEX GO Expo Scotland 2026
Celebrating Innovation: The VEX GO Expo 2026
On May 1st, 2026, the National Mining Museum Scotland in Newtongrange buzzed with excitement as the VEX GO Expo Scotland returned for its second year. The event was a showcase of ingenuity, creativity, and teamwork, with nine primary schools from across Midlothian demonstrating their robotic innovations.
This year’s Expo continued to build on the success of its inaugural edition, reflecting a commitment to bridging the gap between Midlothian’s rich industrial heritage and the burgeoning fields of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). The event serves as an excellent platform for young students to engage with these career paths early on, fostering a new generation of innovators.
A Day of Competition and Collaboration
The competition saw Newtongrange Primary School take the top spot, followed closely by Paradykes Primary in second and Moorfoot Primary in third. Along with traditional awards, the 2026 event introduced new recognitions such as the Amaze Award, celebrating teamwork and collaboration, awarded to Newtongrange Primary’s Pink Team, and the Build Award, recognizing creativity and design, presented to Paradykes Primary’s Pink Team. These new elements emphasize the essential skills necessary for success in the future workforce.
Expert judges, including representatives from Jera IT and specialists from the National Robotarium, praised the creativity and technical skills exhibited by the participants. Reflecting on the students’ achievements, Malcolm Beattie, a volunteer at National Mining Museum Scotland, noted the high level of teamwork and creativity that the students displayed.
Real-World Applications in STEM
In addition to the robotics competition, students participated in hands-on activities led by the British Geological Survey. Pupils explored real-world applications of robotics in fields like geology and energy. Dr. Eleanor Dunn, Public Engagement & Events Coordinator from BGS, highlighted the importance of such initiatives in sparking interest in STEM fields.
A Vision for the Future
This year’s VEX GO Expo was sponsored by Jera IT, emphasizing growing industry support for early STEM education and the cultivation of future talent pipelines. The partnership between the National Mining Museum Scotland and the National Robotarium aims to inspire a love for technology and innovation through engaging, hands-on learning experiences.
Hannah Clark, Principal Teacher at Rosewell Primary School, expressed pride in the event, stating, “It is a real celebration of creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving through robotics.” She emphasized the importance of events like this in developing crucial skills for the future.
Victoria Brown, Education Manager at the National Mining Museum Scotland, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the event’s role in strengthening connections between Scotland’s industrial past and present technological advancements.
Blair Wilson from the National Robotarium recognized the growing enthusiasm among participants and the importance of ongoing support for such initiatives. He noted that the Expo demonstrates how impactful early STEM engagement can be for nurturing the workforce of tomorrow.
Conclusion
The VEX GO Expo 2026 showcased not just the incredible talents of young innovators but also the potential for robotics and technology to inspire future generations. With continued partnerships and a shared commitment to enhancing STEM education, events like these promise to play a significant role in shaping the careers of countless children in Midlothian and beyond.
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