Rotor Racers Ignites STEM Passion for Drone Racing at SciEngineering 2025

Jul 1

3 min read

On June 23rd, 2025, Millennium Point in Birmingham buzzed with excitement as 1000 students from Midlands schools gathered for the SciEngineering event—a dynamic day dedicated to igniting curiosity and passion for STEM. At the heart of the action was Rotor Racers, one of the UK’s leading providers of interactive drone racing experiences.

Bringing Drone Racing to the Next Generation

Rotor Racers has spent the last seven years offering a supportive and fun environment where new pilots can be introduced to the exhilarating world of drone racing. Growing a wonderful community of racers and volunteers across the country, organising races, meet ups and give it a go sessions, now, they hope to inspire the next wave of drone enthusiasts. Rotor Racers was proud to work with these inspiring individuals to bring students at SciEngineering a free “Give It a Go” drone flying experience. More than 400 students had their very first taste of piloting drones, many of whom left with a renewed excitement for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Interactive, Educational, and Fun

What sets Rotor Racers apart is their unique approach to blending hands-on fun with real-world learning. Exhibiting just one of their innovative interactive stations, Rotor Racers can offer a range of activities and challenges focused on a different aspect of drone technology—payload testing, control systems, drone assembly, and even racing through custom-built gates. This focused approach ensures that every student can engage deeply, regardless of their prior experience.

Rotor Racers showing students the drones

Safety First, Always

With hundreds of eager young pilots, safety was paramount. Rotor Racers implemented robust protocols, including segregated flying zones with protective netting, a vigilant team of volunteers, and mandatory safety goggles for all. The drones used were lightweight, slow-moving, and equipped with protective ducts, ensuring a secure environment for everyone involved. “We wanted every participant to feel comfortable and confident, especially with such large groups,” the Rotor Racers team shared.

Drones in the Real-World

Beyond the thrill of flight, Rotor Racers made sure students understood the real-world applications of drone technology. By showcasing both small and large drones, they demonstrated how the same principles apply across the industry—from hobbyist racing to commercial and scientific uses. Students were amazed to learn that some drones can reach speeds of over 120 mph in just 1.5 seconds, or that there are huge multi-rotor electric aircraft now capable of carrying people—facts that sparked plenty of wide-eyed excitement!

Building Partnerships with Educators

The event also provided a valuable opportunity for Rotor Racers to connect with teachers and school leaders. Many educators expressed interest in integrating drone technology into their curricula and even launching their own school drone racing clubs. Rotor Racers stands ready to support these initiatives, offering comprehensive programs, equipment, and training to help schools bring drone racing into the classroom.

Championing Inclusivity in STEM

One of the standout qualities of drone racing is its inclusivity. Rotor Racers emphasized that anyone—regardless of physical ability—can participate and excel in this sport. There are numerous examples of disabled individuals topping world class competitions and now stand as wonderful examples of what's possible in this inclusive sport. With tailored instruction and accessible equipment, drone racing levels the playing field and opens up STEM opportunities to all students.

Looking to the Future

SciEngineering 2025 was a springboard for new ideas and innovations. Rotor Racers is already planning the next wave of interactive games and educational experiences, always striving to stay ahead of the curve in STEM engagement.

Get Involved

For schools and organizations eager to inspire their students, Rotor Racers offers a complete pathway to launching drone racing clubs—from providing drones and safety gear to training leaders and supplying curriculum materials. Their mission is clear: use the thrilling, accessible, and unforgettable world of drone racing to inspire learning.