Today, Redeia is launching the public voting period for its Redesteam competition, which rewards projects by female students in Years 10 and 11 of secondary school (or equivalent vocational training) that contribute to a more sustainable world by applying at least two STEAM disciplines (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics).

Voting is open until 11 September inclusive on the competition website (redesteam.es). There, each student team presents their project through a video, describing the problem they have identified, their proposed solution, and the disciplines they have applied.

The aim of Redesteam, now in its fourth year, is to inspire young girls to pursue careers in science and technology and to break down the gender gap in these fields. In Spain, the graduation rate for women in science, mathematics, computing, engineering, and construction stands at 13%, compared to 32.6% for men, and is below the European Union average of 16.7%, according to Eurostat data. This inequality subsequently is then reflected in the job market.

Redesteam rewards projects in three categories: Affordable and Clean Energy, for projects that use clean energy affordably and efficiently, helping communities and sectors with limited resources to reduce their dependence on polluting sources;

Digital Transformation for Social Innovation, where digital tools such as sensors, mobile applications, and smart grids are used to facilitate daily tasks and improve people's quality of life; Climate and Ecosystems in Balance, focusing on projects that address the challenges of climate change related to the climate, marine biodiversity, and terrestrial ecosystems.

In each category, two projects receive awards: one selected by a panel of five experts in one of the STEAM disciplines and the other, new in this edition, chosen by public vote.

This year, a total of 66 projects submitted by 260 female students and 54 schools, are participating in Redesteam. Of these, 14 are contenders for the public choice award after being shortlisted by an independent judging panel.

Redesteam will announce the names of the winning students and schools on 15 September. The competition provides prizes for each winning student and school. The prize for the winning schools consists of equipment and materials for STEAM-themed laboratories and classrooms, valued at €3,000. The awards ceremony will take place in Madrid in October, where the winners will participate in workshops and inspirational talks to foster their technical and scientific career paths.

Redesteam is part of the 'STEAM Alliance for female talent. Girls up for science' initiative by the Ministry of Education and Vocational Training, to which Redeia is a signatory. Since its first edition, 673 female students have participated in this competition.