TECgirls Labs

Empowering girls to pursue a path in the realms of technology, engineering and creativity (T.E.C), TECgirls Labs develops game-changing products to ignite imaginations and inspire the next generation of TEC women.

Led by a belief that even the biggest global issues can be solved with imaginative solutions, TECgirls Labs’ product range creates opportunities to explore new skills in a way that appeals to girls. Through kits and paper products targeted at girls aged 7 to 14, TECgirls Labs encourages new skills, builds confidence and demonstrates that girls can enjoy, thrive and take up rightful space in typically male-dominated spheres. The team strongly believes in capturing girls’ attention at this pivotal stage before society’s gender bias sets in.

How this year’s shaped up

After years running the award-winning non-profit TECwomen and the TECgirls project, female founders Caitlin Gould and Suzanne Manson had first-hand knowledge of the lack of STEM kits and products aimed at girls. Inspired by this problem, they set up the limited company TECgirls Labs to help tackle the issue. Over the past year, they have channelled their expertise and knowledge to develop and market a range of perfectly positioned resources and products focussing on technology, engineering and creativity. Driven by a strong belief in user-centred design, the pair brought TECgirls Labs products to their events and school workshops to get critical feedback from their core audience. These product soft launches have increased visibility and momentum and have seen the team expand product lines and sales. So far the feedback from girls, teachers and parents has been overwhelmingly positive and products are now being purchased and used by girls, families, schools and STEM agencies around the UK. Plans are in place to continue to improve and expand the product range and to start supplying products in select retailers within the South West.

2023 / 2024 Highlights

• The development and sales of the Let’s Code, a Creative Coding Kit. This micro: bit-based kit and exploration guide inspire girls to explore coding on physical devices.
• The development and sales of the Reach for the Sky Kit a paper plane-making and experimenting kit, inspired by real women in aviation.
• The development and sales of Ideas Can Change The World, an engineering notebook. This guided resource encourages girls to think about how they can solve big problems and make a positive change in the world around them.
• Feedback from soft launch market testing has been highly positive.
• A product roadmap full of future planned products has been developed.

Where they’re setting their 2024/25 sights

Alongside plans to seek funding and investment to grow the business, TECgirls Labs hopes to expand channels to market, focusing on continued discussions with online electronics retailers, museum shops, and STEM providers. Alongside the distribution of products, which includes running live workshops, and showcasing the kits to communities and trade shows, they will continue to work on the design and development of new products in line with the roadmap set out throughout the Growth Programme. New product launches are set to drop later this year, with plans for an additional stop-motion animation kit and a Morse code bracelet-making kit in the mix.

Growing with Creative UK

“We’ve really enjoyed the support and guidance provided by the Create Growth Programme. Our mentor’s support has been game-changing for our understanding of product development and retail, and we hope to continue the relationship with him beyond this project.” Caitlin Gould, Co-Founder