The IEEE Women in Engineering (WIE) Manga story contest has returned for its second year, continuing to captivate readers and help bridge gender disparity in STEM fields. This narrative competition invites participants to explore the adventures of Riko-chan, the girl next door who uses her scientific knowledge to solve everyday problems. With six stories released in 2023 and another six in 2024, the series has been translated into multiple languages, including French, Bangla, Spanish, Portuguese, Japanese, Hindi, and Chinese, making it accessible to a global audience.
Don’t miss out on Riko-chan’s exciting stories! Whether she’s inventing, solving problems, or embarking on new adventures, Riko-chan’s tales are sure to inspire and entertain. Download the latest stories with the links below, and share them with young readers who dream big in STEM.
- Avengers of the Power Grid: Why don’t we run out of electricity even when everyone uses their AC on hot days? Join Riko-chan as she dives into the thrilling mysteries of the power grid and unravels the secrets behind our seemingly endless supply, along with the innovative solutions that keep our world running smoothly.
- Riko-chan and the Smoke-Filled Room: Riko-chan crafts a captivating pictogram to catch Sailor Quick’s attention. This story blends global appeal with special elements for the Japanese audience, inspired by real-world events and the author’s experiences.
- Riko-chan and the Furry Friend’s Prosthetic Leg: Riko-chan’s determination and creativity turn adversity into an opportunity to help a beloved pet regain vitality. This story highlights the potential of STEM to solve real-world problems with creativity and compassion.
- Riko-chan and the Power of Wind Energy: Follow Riko-chan as she navigates the challenges of finding the perfect research project. From sleepless nights to eureka moments, she dives into the world of wind energy, weighing the pros and cons of windmills versus wind turbines.
- Riko-chan and the SmartMeds Box: Inspired by personal experience, this story focuses on the elderly’s struggles with keeping track of their medication, and conveys how technology, like an AI-powered medicine box, can solve simple yet significant problems.
- Riko-chan and the Seismic Safety System: Riko-chan hears the rumble of an earthquake and doesn’t panic. Inspired by a personal challenge, she finds the motivation to develop an innovative program for detecting earthquakes.
TryEngineering is a proud partner of IEEE Women in Engineering, who are a global network of IEEE members and volunteers dedicated to promoting women engineers and scientists, and inspiring girls around the world to follow their academic interests in a career in engineering and science. IEEE WIE is also supporting the 2025 TryEngineering STEM Grant Program, by providing up to $2,000 in funding towards programs focused on school-aged girls.
To learn more about IEEE WIE and their mission, be sure to visit their website, and stay tuned for more adventures from Riko-chan in the future!