Ruth Amos: Why I Can’t Wait to Join the Reach for the Sky Festival and Why Girls in STEM Need Events Like This

Hi, I’m Ruth Amos - engineer, inventor, author and co-founder of Kids Invent Stuff, and I’m so excited to be joining this year’s Reach for the Sky Festival.

This festival is exactly the kind of event I wish I’d had growing up - a space where girls can get hands-on with science and tech, meet real role models, and see how creative, fun and world-changing STEM careers can be.

From Young Inventor to STEM Advocate

My journey into engineering started when I was just 16, with a design and technology project at school. I invented a stair-lifting device to help people with limited mobility and that project ended up winning Young Engineer for Britain. Until then, I hadn’t really seen engineering as something for someone like me. But that moment showed me how creative, practical and people-focused the world of STEM could be. It completely changed my path.

As I progressed in my career, I realised how few girls were being encouraged into the same fields. Despite making up nearly half the UK workforce, women still account for only 26% of the core STEM workforce and in engineering specifically, the number is even lower at just 16.5%

Many girls make decisions about their futures by age 11  but far too often, they drop STEM subjects because they don’t see themselves represented, supported, or celebrated.

That’s one of the reasons I co-founded Kids Invent Stuff, to make engineering and invention feel exciting, accessible and achievable, especially for primary-aged children. I wanted to create something I would have loved growing up. A space where all children, no matter their background or ability, could see their ideas taken seriously.

We focus on turning real kids’ invention ideas into working builds, from glitter-firing robots to custard-flinging bikes, because we believe that representation matters, and early hands-on experiences build confidence that lasts a lifetime. Our content is free, curriculum-linked and fun and we’re proud that over 80% of the young inventors featured on our channel have been girls.

We need more girls in engineering,  not just because it’s fair, but because diversity drives better design, stronger teams, and more innovative solutions. And that starts with giving young people the chance to imagine, explore and invent without limits.

From GCSE Project to Career in Innovation

At the festival, I’ll be hosting the main stage and sharing more about my journey, the ups, the failures, the wild inventions,  and why I believe creativity and curiosity are the real superpowers behind every great engineer.

Experience Engineering in Action

While I’m on stage, Emily from our Kids Invent Stuff team will be delivering one of our favourite hands-on activities, the Wildflower Cannon Workshop. Kids will get the chance to build and fire their own eco-friendly creations, using everyday materials and a big dose of invention.

We’ll also be collecting invention ideas from children throughout the day. Some of these could even be featured in future Kids Invent Stuff builds, where we turn real kids’ ideas into working inventions on our channel. From crisp packet flingers to custard-firing bikes, the results are always brilliantly bonkers.

Why This Matters and How You Can Support It

We started Kids Invent Stuff to give all children the chance to see their ideas come to life – not just those who win competitions or get top marks. Every child is creative. Every child is an inventor.

We also know that early experiences matter, especially for girls. Girls are just as capable, curious and clever as boys, but they often drop out of STEM pathways because they don’t see it as “for them.” That’s why events like Reach for the Sky are so powerful. They let girls try things, make things, and imagine themselves in roles they may never have considered before.

Through our free curriculum-linked resources, YouTube content, and outreach events, we work with schools and families across the country to bring invention into everyday life. And thanks to our partners, we’re able to do that at scale, reaching tens of thousands of children each year.

Come and Join Us!

Reach for the Sky is set to be an amazing day full of inspiration, hands-on fun, and practical ways to spark big dreams. Whether you’re coming with your children, bringing a school group, or exploring partnership opportunities, I’d love to see you there.

Book your tickets now! Let’s show the next generation of girls just how exciting the world of STEM can be.