Less than a third of STEM research posts globally are filled by women, highlighting a sizeable gender gap in the industry. American start-up Code to Inspire is fusing charity with skills development to help bridge this divide, offering safe learning opportunities for women in Afghanistan.

Silicon Valley may be notorious for its boys’ club culture, but the Middle East’s start-up scene is booming thanks to the efforts of female entrepreneurs and scientists. What social and economic factors are leading these women into tech? And how can gender equality benefit their home countries?

A Swiss startup called RosieReality is giving Lego an AR makeover, while also teaching children programming skills. With a digital-skills gap impacting businesses, there are opportunities to tap into the screen habits of young audiences to inspire STEM careers in a playful and engaging way.

Gen Zers may be tech savvy, yet despite their online competence just one in ten US schools teach themhowtheir tech works. Kode with Klossy, set up by model Karlie Kloss, is a summer camp aimed at teaching young girls how to code, challenging the notion that STEM subjects are only for men.