Republic of Zambia
Ministry of Education
Directorate of National Science Centre
STEM for
Sustainable
Growth and
Development
2023 JETS Concept Note
Theme:
“Promoting Innovation, Engineering and
Entrepreneurship: Accelerating STEM Growth and
Development”
1
1. Overview
JETS, which stands for Junior Engineers Technicians and Scientists, is an initiative organized by
the Ministry of Education that offers a dynamic platform for students, teachers, and young people
to come up with innovative, human-centered solutions to the challenges facing their communities.
The program operates under the guiding principle of "Think Big Be Innovative," and its
participants are encouraged to address a range of pressing issues, including COVID-19, climate
change, medical and healthcare, renewable energy, water scarcity, and environmental pollution.
Solving many of Zambia's major problems will require long-term, sustained efforts, particularly
in the realm of science. As such, JETS empowers learners, youth, and teachers to develop
innovative solutions that can be refined and showcased at JETS Fair activities held at various
levels. These fairs provide a forum for young scientists to share ideas, identify best practices
related to STEM, and learn from each other's experiences. Moreover, stakeholders with a strong
interest in scientific research can choose to mentor, develop, and commercialize promising
innovations, thereby promoting sustainable development.
2. Overall Theme
The theme for the 2023 JETS fairs has been carefully selected to align with the nation's
development goals, as outlined in the Eighth National Development Plan and other developmental
agendas. The theme, "Promoting Innovation, Engineering and Entrepreneurship: Accelerating
STEM Growth and Development," reflects a broad range of initiatives aimed at encouraging
continuous progress in creativity, resourcefulness, and problem-solving abilities among the
upcoming generation of innovators, engineers, and entrepreneurs. The objective is to accelerate
STEM growth and development across all sectors and promote sustainable development.
3. Context and Design of the 2023 JETS Fair
The 2023 JETS Fair is set to introduce a slight deviation from the conventional "free-choice"
categories used in prior fairs to a thematic approach. Under this new approach, a specific theme
will be selected for all participants within a given category to compete in. The tasks will be
designed to encourage participants to develop an innovation that contributes to solving a practical
problem or challenge at the community, regional, national, or global levels. For example, in the
physics and renewable energy category, participants may be tasked with developing innovations
aimed at addressing challenges related to renewable energy and climate change in Zambia. More
information on the proposed themes for each category is provided in Section
4. Proposed Dates for the 2023 Regional and National Fairs
The National JETS Fair will be preceded by the School, District, and Regional Fairs. Before the
fairs, capacity building programs will be held in the Regions and Districts for the Regional and
District Organizing Committees. The training will cover coordination, implementation, and the
importance of quality assurance in JETS activities. Topics to be covered in the training include (a)
innovation development criteria, (b) report writing, poster presentation on display boards, (c)
adjudication process, and (d) categories description and characteristics. The Regional Fairs are
scheduled to occur between May 22nd and June 30th, 2023. The NSC and other stakeholders will
oversee the regional JETS fairs to ensure that the innovations are of high quality. The National
JETS Fair will take place from August 7th to August 11th, 2023, in Lusaka.
5. National JETS Fair Objectives
The objectives of the 2023 National JETS Fair are to:
a) Provide a platform for learners and youths, innovators and entrepreneurs to showcase their
scientific knowledge and bring out the best inventions or innovations.
b) Develop in learners and youths, innovators and entrepreneurs a positive scientific attitude
towards problems and challenges that they face in life.
c) Create synergies amongst learners and the youths, the communities and industries in new
inventions and innovations.
6. Expected Outputs
It is expected that the National JETS Fair will produce the following outputs:
a) A platform for learners and youths, innovators and entrepreneurs to showcase use their
scientific knowledge and bring out the best inventions or innovations provided.
b) A more scientific attitude towards problems and challenges that learners and youths,
innovators and entrepreneurs face in life developed.
c) Synergies amongst learners and the youths, the communities and industries in new
inventions and innovations created.
7. Tabulated Categories
The table shows the tabulated JETS categories for the year 2023 with specified targets, number of
participants and sub-themes.
Table1: JETS categories
JETS Categories 2023
S/no. Category Target Participants Category Sub-Theme 2023
Agricultural Science (a) ECE & Primary 1 "Innovative Solutions for
Innovations (b) Junior Secondary 1 Sustainable Agriculture in a
1 (c) Senior Secondary 1 Changing Climate."
(d) Out-of-school Youth/students 1
(e) Teachers 1
Physics and Renewable (a) ECE & Primary 1 "Harnessing Solar Energy
Energy Innovations (b) Junior Secondary 1 for Sustainable
2 (c) Senior Secondary 1 Development"
(d) Out-of-school Youth/students and 1
(e) Teachers 1
Computer Sciences and (a) ECE & Primary 1 "Innovative Solutions for
Software Development (b) Junior Secondary 1 Digital Transformation".
3 Innovations (c) Senior Secondary 1
(d) Out-of-school Youth/students and 1
(e) Teachers 1
Mathematics Innovations (a) ECE & Primary 1 "Innovative Solutions
(b) Junior Secondary 1 through Mathematical
4 (c) Senior Secondary 1 Modelling"
(d) Out-of-school Youth/students and 1
(e) Teachers 1
Robotics and Artificial (a) Junior Secondary 1 "Robotic Solutions for
Intelligent Innovations (b) Senior Secondary 1 Sustainable Applications in
5 Zambia"
(c) Out-of-school Youth/students and 1
(d) Teachers 1
JETS Categories 2023
S/no. Category Target Participants Category Sub-Theme 2023
Medicine and Health (a) ECE & Primary 1 "Integrating indigenous
Innovations (b) Junior Secondary 1 medicines for Improved
6 (c) Senior Secondary 1 Healthcare in Zambia"
(d) Out-of-school Youth/students and 1
(e) Teachers 1
Food Science, Technology (a) Junior Secondary 1 “Innovative solutions for
7 and Hospitality value addition”.
Innovations (b) Senior Secondary 1
Environmental Sustainable (a) Junior Secondary 1 "Green Innovations for a
8 Development Innovations (b) Senior Secondary Sustainable Future”
1
9 Academics (a) Primary Quiz 2 "Exploring the Future of
(b) Junior Secondary Quiz 2 Zambia through
(c) Senior Secondary Quiz 2 Sustainable Solutions:
Challenges and
(d) Primary Science Olympiads 1 Opportunities in Science,
(e) Primary Mathematics Olympiads 1 Technology, Engineering,
(f) Junior Secondary Science Olympiads 1 and Mathematics (STEM)".
(g) Junior Secondary Mathematics Olympiads 1
(h) Senior Secondary Biology Olympiads 1
(i) Senior Secondary Chemistry Olympiads 1
(j) Senior Secondary Mathematics Olympiads 1
(k) Senior Secondary Physics Olympiads 1
10 Skills Categories (a) Bricklaying 1 "Sustainable and
(b) Carpentry & Joinery 1 Marketable Designs"
(c) Electrical Installations 1
(d) Wall & Floor Tiling 1
(e) Landscape & Gardening 2
JETS Categories 2023
S/no. Category Target Participants Category Sub-Theme 2023
(f) Welding 1
(g) Fashion Technology 1
(h) Cosmetology (Hairdressing) 1
(i) Panel Beating & Spray Painting 1
Regional Total Participants 57
National Total Participants 627
8. Target
The 2023 JETS Fairs will bring on board learners from ECE and Primary, Secondary Schools,
Colleges of Education, Universities and Out-of-School Youths as well as Teachers of STEM who
will showcase their projects and innovations, and compete for awards and honours. The
community, industries as well as line ministries will be invited to exhibit and showcase their works
at the forthcoming Fair and also to identify and select promising innovative projects for possible
adoption, support and mentoring.
9. Expected number of participants
A total of 627 participants from across the country are earmarked to participate and present at the
National JETS Fair from the categories listed below.
10. Description of JETS Categories in Details
a) Agricultural Science Innovations - (ECE & Primary, Junior, Senior Secondary, Out-of-
school Youth/students and Teachers)
Agricultural Science concerns itself with the application of science to agriculture. It includes the
practice of all kinds of farming. Is a broad multidisciplinary field that encompasses the parts of
exact, natural, economic and social sciences that are used in the practice and understanding of
agriculture. It deals with food, fibre production and processing that includes the technologies of
soil & crop cultivation and harvesting, animal production, aqua-culture, cultivation and the
processing of primary agricultural products for human consumption and use. Participants will
demonstrate and display Agricultural Science projects that provide innovative solutions.
The sub-theme for the Agricultural Science category is "Innovative Solutions for Sustainable
Agriculture in a Changing Climate." This theme will focus on encouraging participants to
develop and showcase new or improved strategies and innovations for improving agricultural
productivity, while also addressing the challenges posed by climate change and limited access to
modern agricultural technologies. Areas of interest may include:
(i) Developing of products that are resilient to Zambia’s changing climate such as
drought-resistant crops that require less water.
(ii) Promoting sustainable agricultural practices, such as conservation tillage, crop
rotation, and inter-cropping, that can help improve soil health and reduce reliance
on artificial fertilizers.
(iii) Creating innovative solutions for improving access to weather and climate
information, such as mobile apps, SMS alerts, or other digital tools that can help
farmers make informed decisions about planting, irrigation, and other agricultural
practices.
(iv) Designing new technologies that can help small-scale farmers increase their
productivity and income, such as low-cost irrigation systems, solar-powered drying
machines, or improved seed storage methods.
b) Physics and Renewable Energy Innovations - (ECE & Primary, Junior and Senior
Secondary and Out-of-school Youth/students and Teachers)
Physics is the science of matter and energy as well as the interactions between the two. Theories,
principles and laws governing energy and the effect of energy on matter. Renewable energy
provides reliable power supplies and fuel diversification, which enhance energy security and lower
risk of fuel spills while reducing the need for imported fuels. Renewable energy also helps
conserve the nation's natural resources. It is collected from renewable resources, which are
naturally replenished on a human timescale, such as sunlight, wind, rain, tides, waves, and
geothermal heat. The sub-theme for Physics & Renewable Energy category is "Harnessing Solar
Energy for Sustainable Development". This theme will focus on encouraging participants to
develop innovative solutions for utilizing the abundant energy in Zambia to address the country's
energy needs and promote sustainable development. Some potential areas of focus for the
competition will include:
(i) Designing and building solar-powered systems for off-grid communities, such as
solar water pumps, solar home lighting systems, or solar-powered refrigeration units
for storing vaccines and medicines.
(ii) Developing new technologies for large-scale solar power generation, such as
concentrating solar power systems, floating solar arrays, or solar-powered
desalination plants.
(iii) Creating innovative solutions for energy storage, such as battery technologies,
flywheels, or thermal energy storage systems that can help ensure reliable power
supply even when the sun is not shining.
(iv) Designing and implementing energy efficiency measures, such as efficient lighting
systems, building insulation, or smart energy management systems, to reduce energy
consumption and promote sustainable development.
c) Computer Sciences and Software Development Innovations - (ECE & Primary, Junior
and Senior Secondary and Out-of-school Youth/students and Teachers)
Computer Science is the study of computational systems and information technology, specifically
the theory, design, development, and application of these systems. This includes artificial
intelligence, computer systems and networks, security, database systems, human-computer
interaction, vision and graphics, numerical analysis, software systems and languages,
bioinformatics and the theory of computing. The sub-theme for Computer Science and Software
Development Category is "Innovative Solutions for Digital Transformation". This theme will
focus on encouraging participants to develop innovative solutions that leverage computer science
to help drive digital transformation and promote economic development in Zambia. Possible areas
of emphasis for the competition will include:
(i) Developing new software applications that can help address key challenges facing
Zambia, such as improving access to healthcare, education, or financial services.
(ii) Creating innovative solutions for data analytics and visualization, such as machine
learning algorithms, data mining techniques, or interactive dashboards that can help
decision-makers better understand complex data sets.
(iii) Designing and implementing secure and resilient information systems, such as block
chain-based solutions, that can help protect sensitive information and improve
cybersecurity.
(iv) Developing new approaches for promoting digital literacy and technology skills
development, such as online learning platforms or coding boot camps, that can help
build a more skilled and diverse workforce in Zambia.
d) Mathematics Innovations - (ECE & Primary, Junior and Senior Secondary and Out-of-
school Youth/students and Teachers)
The study of Mathematics teaches how to use abstract language, work with algorithms, self-
analyze computational thinking, and accurately model real-world solutions. Development of
formal logical systems or various numerical and algebraic computations, and the application of
these principles. This category will help participants focus on the use of mathematical principles
and concepts to model real-world solutions. The sub-theme for Mathematics Category is
"Innovative Solutions through Mathematical Modelling". This theme could focus on
encouraging participants to develop innovative solutions that leverage mathematics to help drive
the architectural space for economic development in Zambia. Focus may be on:
(i) Developing new insights in finding solutions to mathematical process using software
applications that can help address key challenges facing Zambia, such as improving
access to healthcare, education, or financial services.
(ii) Creating innovative solutions for data analytics and visualization, such as machine
learning algorithms, data mining techniques, or interactive dashboards that can help
decision-makers better understand complex data sets.
(iii) Designing resilient models that are time and space sensitive to balance aesthetics
and functionality with sustainability, artistic work to address local needs and
challenges
(iv) Developing new approaches or devices for predicting future phenomena based on
time and space that could help maximize benefits from opportunities in Zambia.
e) Robotics and Artificial Intelligent Innovations - (Junior and Senior Secondary and Out-
of-school Youth/students and Teachers)
Robotics involves building robots whereas Artificial Intelligence involves programming
intelligence. AI helps serve motions a robotic system makes. AI and robotics are a powerful
combination for automating tasks inside and outside of the factory setting. AI has become an
increasingly common presence in robotic solutions, introducing flexibility and learning
capabilities in previously rigid applications. The sub-theme for this category is "Robotic Solutions
for Sustainable Applications in Zambia". The competition will challenge participants to design
and build robotic systems that can assist with improving tasks. This theme will be particularly
relevant for Zambia, by increasing efficiency, reducing labour costs, and improving productivity.
The competition will also focus on using artificial intelligence (AI) to optimize application
processes. AI could also be used to analyze data collected by the robotic systems, providing
valuable insights.
f) Medicine and Health Innovations - (ECE & Primary, Junior and Senior Secondary and
Out-of-school Youth/students and Teachers)
This category focuses on studies specifically designed to address issues of human health and
disease. It includes studies on the diagnosis, treatment, repair, maintain and epidemiology of
disease and other damage to the human body or mental systems. Includes studies of normal
functioning and may investigate internal as well as external factors such as feedback mechanisms,
stress or environmental impact on human health and disease (physiology and anatomy). The sub-
theme for this category is "Integrating indigenous medicines for Improved Healthcare in
Zambia". In this category, the competition will challenge participants to develop non-conventional
innovative solutions to address healthcare challenges in Zambia. Indigenous medicine has been
used for centuries in Zambia and is often the primary form of healthcare for many people,
particularly in rural areas. The focus will be on a range of healthcare issues in Zambia, such as
infectious diseases, maternal and child health, and non-communicable diseases. Participants could
be tasked with developing new diagnostic tools, treatment protocols, or preventive interventions
that use iindigenous medicine. Furthermore, the competition will encourage the use of modern
technologies, such as mobile health (mHealth) and telemedicine, to support indigenous medicine.
For example, participants could develop mHealth apps that provide information about indigenous
medicines and their uses, or telemedicine platforms that enable indigenous healers to work
collaboratively.
g) Food Science, Technology and Hospitality Innovations - (Junior and Senior Secondary)
Food technology involves the application of food science to the selection, preservation, processing,
packaging, and distribution, use of safe food and research and development of the food products.
Food innovations will involve the use of technology to improve food production processes. New
technologies in various food industries improve and enhance customer experience. The sub-theme
for the category is “Innovative solutions for value addition”. This competition will focus on
innovative ways to utilize Zambia's abundance of traditional and Western dishes, from the sourcing
and cultivation of ingredients to the preparation and presentation of dishes. Participants will be
judged on their use of local ingredients, sustainability practices, and creativity in developing new
and exciting dishes. Participants will also be challenged to develop new and innovative food
products and processes that are unique to Zambia's culinary traditions and resources. Participants
will also be judged on the feasibility and scalability of their innovations, as well as their potential
to enhance the country's food industry and contribute to economic growth.
h) Environmental Sustainable Development Innovations - (Junior and Senior Secondary)
This category involves innovations that include controlling human impact on and interaction with
the environment in order to preserve natural resources and address the environmental challenges
with innovate effective solutions. Participants are encouraged to use technology constructively to
research environmental issues at depth and to use their acquired knowledge on the subject to come
up with innovative technologies to protect the environment. The sub-theme is "Green Innovations
for a Sustainable Future”. The competition will invite participants to submit proposals for
innovative, practical, and scalable solutions to environmental challenges in Zambia, with a
particular focus on managing waste, conserving natural resources, and promoting sustainable
lifestyles. The proposals will be judged on a range of criteria, including their potential impact on
the environment, their feasibility and cost-effectiveness, their potential for replication and
scalability, and their creativity and originality.
i) Academics - Quizzes and Olympiads (Primary, Junior Secondary and Senior Secondary)
The sub-theme is "Exploring the Future of Zambia through Sustainable Solutions: Challenges
and Opportunities in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)".
j) Skills Categories - (Bricklaying, Carpentry & Joinery, Electrical Installations, Wall &
Floor Tiling, Landscape & Gardening, Welding, Fashion Technology, Cosmetology
(Hairdressing) and Panel Beating & Spray Painting).
Skills create opportunities and connect societies. They are the foundation of economic progress.
A skill is the learned ability to act with determined results with good execution often within a given
amount of time, energy, or both. The sub-theme under the skills categories is "Sustainable and
Marketable Designs". This competition will enable participants to design and construct
sustainable artefacts, items, landscaping, installations that incorporate environmentally friendly
materials and energy-efficient technologies. Participants will be judged on their ability to balance
aesthetics and functionality with sustainability, as well as their understanding of local building
codes, artistic work and regulations as well as their creativity, functionality, and ability to address
local needs and challenges.
11. Duration of the 2023 JETS Fair
The National JETS Fair will run for a period of four (4) working days with addition two days for
travelling. That is, arrival date of the participants is 7th August 2023. The event will be held from
8th to 11th August, before the participants depart for their destinations on 12th August, 2023.
