THE Young Scientists Tanzania (YST) initiative has recorded 43 percent increase in project applications for its 2025 competition, with 1,516 entries submitted by secondary school pupils across the country, up from 1,055 in 2024.

Dr Gosbert Kamugisha, YST co-founder unveiled this in Dar es Salaam at the weekend, attributing the surge to an extensive outreach programme conducted in all regions which engaged 6,064 pupils and 402 science teachers. 

He said the campaign not only boosted participation but also enhanced the quality of submissions. "We are currently in the mentorship phase, working closely with all pupils who submitted projects to ensure that the quality of projects to be exhibited at YST 2025 is exceptionally high,” he said.

He added that from the pool of applications, 360 science projects will be shortlisted for further mentoring. Ultimately, only 55 top projects will be selected for presentation at the national exhibition scheduled to take place on September at the University of Dar es Salaam.

Explaining the choice of venue, Dr Kamugisha noted that the exhibition at the university provides young scientists with a unique opportunity to interact with and learn from leading researchers and scholars, further enriching their academic and innovation journey.

He highlighted that YST, now in its 15th year, has become a transformative platform for nurturing scientific curiosity and innovation among secondary school learners in Tanzania.

“This year’s record number of submissions is a clear indication that the mentorship model is working. YST has become a Launchpad for young Tanzanians to offer practical, research-based solutions to local and global challenges,” he said.

The Karimjee Foundation, YST's main sponsor since 2016, echoed similar sentiments. Its CEO, Caren Rowland, lauded the initiative as more than a competition, calling it "a movement" that has made science accessible to every region and every type of school in the country.

“Every year, we award four full university scholarships to the most promising YST participants—two in the general category and two in the special education category,” she stated. “These scholarships do more than fund education; they transform lives.”

She revealed that 49 YST alumni have so far received scholarships from the foundation, many of whom have gone on to study disciplines such as engineering, health sciences, environmental conservation, and public policy.

“This partnership is a powerful example of what’s possible when corporate responsibility meets educational ambition. Together with YST, we’re shaping a national culture of innovation, inquiry, and inclusion,” she affirmed.

The foundation’s Chief Marketing Officer, Cobus Van Zyl, reiterated their ongoing commitment to supporting higher education through scholarships, stressing that education is key to achieving sustainable development.

Two beneficiaries of the foundation's support—Farida Mnyazi from Msalato Girls’ Secondary School and Nafidhi Mola from Pugu Secondary School—expressed gratitude, saying the scholarships enabled them to generate income through their science projects which they now plan to expand.