Robot ring-toss, AI demos, and hands-on technology drew more than 500 students and families to DiscoverSTEM 2025 at Acton-Boxborough Regional High School (AB) on Friday, November 7, for a career exploration night.
Hosted by AB STEAM, DiscoverSTEM featured 48 exhibitors, including tech companies, university research labs, industry experts, non-profits, and student robotics teams who demonstrated innovations in science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM). Designed like a professional trade show, it had a twist — the expo paired student volunteers with engineers and scientists who guided and mentored them. The student volunteers then helped explain the technology to attendees.
Long lines formed around demonstrations in artificial intelligence, environmental science, sustainability, biotechnology and medical innovation, while a custom-built robot rolled back and forth as students played a lively game of ring toss, cheering every successful throw. The youngest exhibitor, 5-year-old Spot, the Boston Dynamics robotic dog, fetched, bowed and danced on command while the oldest exhibitor, 94-year-old, Jack Herther, space pioneer, entranced visitors with tales of the cosmos.
First launched in 2005 as a biennial event and paused during the pandemic, DiscoverSTEM returned this year with fresh momentum. Attendance was up, crowds were engaged, the mood was upbeat.
“I’ve only seen robotic dogs online,” said one young attendee. “Tonight, I got to see one live.”
Local Acton STEAM connections included Joe Jones, robotics engineer turned author who recently published “Dancing with Roomba”, “Cracking the Robot Riddle,”and“Building an Icon,” and Sam Gould, President of Open Door Theater and Co-founder of Outside the VOX, who demonstrated how technology makes theater more accessible.
Industry-leading tech exhibitors showcased computing innovations and software designs from Qualcomm and SolidWorks/Dassault Systems, while the Acton Lions Club exhibited eye care and eye research with their District 33N EyeMobile inspired by Helen Keller 100 years ago.
Northern Bank made financial literacy fun with trivia and games; Minuteman High School advocated high school STEM programs; Nashoba Air & Boilerworks highlighted trade connections; Lighthouse Treeworks brought a model of the Big Bird Bench, which will be installed in Kelley’s Corner; and local community members working in several Biotech/Pharma Industries set up an exhibit that explored the biotech world.
Other displays ranged from eye-tracking and facial-recognition software from iMotions, to the science of induction cooking, with s’mores samples from Mothers Out Front Acton, to the physics of driving, by AB Drive In Control.
Sustainability exhibits included green-energy prototypes, electric leaf blowers, advances in water testing from the Acton Water Department, demonstrations of Acton Ford’s E-V vehicles, innovations in bicycle technology from Pedal Power & Ski of Acton, and ways to measure energy efficiency using infrared technology from EnergizeActon.org.
“That was a phenomenal event! Great exhibitors, varied companies for students with different interests. A+,” said attendee Andy Heiniluoma, while others asked, “When is the next one?” The answer: November 2027.
The hosts from AB Steam fully acknowledge, “It takes a village to put on DiscoverSTEM!” They said that this community-powered event was supported by volunteers, the Acton-Boxborough School District, AB Community Education, and our Boston-area business and community partners and sponsors.
Hosts offered appreciation to DiscoverSTEM Platinum Sponsors (Qualcomm, Solidworks, Acton Ford, Northern Bank, Acton Lions Club, Huntington Learning Center of Acton), Gold Sponsors (Acanthi, ActonTV, Boston Bijoux, C0deEx, Market Dynamics, National Grid, Product Insight), Silver Sponsors (Cottage Street Advisors, Drive In Control, Hansen Auto Body Acton, Happy Lilliput, Herther Family STEM, KUKSI Foods, Ruchi Misra Realtor, NyproMold, Open Door Education, Pedal Power Bike & Ski, Sal’s Auto & Truck Repair, SPE Mold Technology) and other contributors. They also thanked local media and communication partners including ActonTV, The Acton Exchange, and Action Unlimited for featuring our DiscoverSTEM 2025 event, Ink Etc. for marketing materials, and the UPS Store in Acton for copying services.
AB Steam expressed gratitude for the food and hospitality vendors that fed over 200 DiscoverSTEM exhibitors and volunteers, including local grocery markets (Idylwilde Farm, Roche Bros, Stop & Shop, Trader Joe’s, Assabet Market Co-op) and AB restaurants and eateries (Bethencourt Bakehouse, DiCapri Pizzeria, Dunkin’-The Pesce Network, KUKSI Foods, Eve & Murray’s Farm to Table, NYAJ, Oscar’s Burritos).
The organization is planning a DiscoverSTEM Silent Auction benefitting High School STEAM Clubs in early 2026 at www.absteam.org with local items donated for DiscoverSTEM 2025 by Boston Bijoux, C0dEx, Discovery Museum, Fourth & Field, Kitchen Outfitters, Huntington Learning Center, Acton Pharmacy, Silver Unicorn, EcoQuiet Lawn Care, AB Community Education, KUKSI Foods, Pedal Power Bike & Ski, Wax & Scent, author Noah Giansiracusa, and many more.
Visit the DiscoverSTEM website for event details, photos and video recaps, and a complete list of DiscoverSTEM 2025 exhibits, sponsors, supporters and contributors!
AB STEAM, formerly AB PIP STEM, just turned 25 and relaunched as a non-profit, providing free science, technology, engineering, art, and science educational events to students, families and the community in Acton and Boxborough, Massachusetts.
Janice M. Ward is a writer, photographer, and graphic designer who plays in multiple creative and technical lanes. She founded acanthi.com, combining technical writing with web and graphic design, and co-created the Genetics of Design blog, cited by ArchDaily, Fast Company, and Planning Magazine. A Massachusetts Unsung Heroines Award recipient (2015), she has spent 25 years shaping AB STEAM’s content and digital presence—making sure ideas look as good as they read.
KJ Herther is coach and founder of AB STEAM (formerly AB PIP STEM), a new non-profit promoting science technology, art, engineering and math. She is active in sustainability and clean energy initiatives as part of EnergizeActon.org and the Acton Climate Coalition, and is passionate about supporting LOHAS (Lifestyle Of Health And Sustainability) brand and market visibility.
