Expanding Opportunities for Young People in Tech
Tech Cornwall is proud to announce the return of Mission to Mars in Summer 2026, with a new format designed to reach more students than ever before.
For over ten years, Mission to Mars has been our flagship work experience program for Year 10 students. Each year, participants take on the challenge programming a rover to complete a simulated mission on the surface of Mars. Along the way they gain hands-on experience in coding, electronics, teamwork and problem solving.
The programme has grown a reputation for being unique in the South West, offering opportunities that would otherwise be difficult to find in the region. Even during the pandemic we kept Mission to Mars running, moving online to deliver five remote missions to 63 students from across the UK. Those remote sessions showed us that when physical distance is removed, more young people can take part. Students joined from as far afield as London, Bournemouth and Inverness, proving that the appetite for meaningful digital work experience stretches far beyond Cornwall.
A blended approach for 2026
The 2026 program builds on that learning. Students will first take part in a remote project, working independently on replicating rover circuitry and programming. Guided by resources hosted on our Moodle platform, they will develop and test their work, then submit it via GitHub. This gives them both a pathway into the in-person mission and the beginnings of a digital portfolio they can link to a CV or future applications.
Submissions act as applications for the face-to-face missions in Cornwall. In July, we will host two in-person sessions across one week, each with 30 places available. This means up to 60 students will gain hands-on experience, doubling the numbers we could normally accommodate.
Why it matters
Work experience in tech and digital is still rare in the region. Many young people who want to explore these careers are limited by geography, family circumstances or lack of local opportunities. Mission to Mars aims to break down some of those barriers. By offering an accessible remote entry point and expanding the in-person programme, we can reach students who might otherwise be left out.
We provide this because it is needed. There are very few structured opportunities like this, and without programs such as Mission to Mars, many students would miss out on experiencing the creative, challenging and rewarding world of technology.
Applications now open
Applications for Mission to Mars 2026 opened on 3rd September. The remote component is open to all students from Year 10 upwards, no matter where they are based.
Full details and the application form can be found at techcornwall.co.uk/mission-to-mars
