The kids in Cork got skills!

Two Cork primary school students have been recognised for their creativity and problem-solving skills.

They were some of the winners of Empower3D, Stryker’s national 3D printing design challenge that fosters STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) learning in classrooms. Formerly known as Manufacturing a Healthy Future, the programme places sustainability at its core and challenges students to design practical solutions to real-world issues within their school communities using 3D printing technology.

Marking the end of the school year and the 2025/2026 programme, Cork primary schools St Catherine’s National School, Bishopstown, and Scoil Barra Naofa, Monkstown, as well as Newport Convent Primary School, Tipperary and Aston Village Educate Together National School, Louth were named winners across two award categories – Best Sustainable Design and Best Learning Journey.

Led by Stryker and in partnership with I-Form, Empower3D has been equipping primary school teachers with the 3D printing tools, training and confidence to bring advanced manufacturing technology into the classroom since 2021. Throughout the programme’s lifetime, more than 160 teachers and more than 3,200 students in Ireland have participated, including more than 500 students from DEIS schools.

As part of the programme, Stryker visited St Catherine’s National School in Bishopstown to present their award in person and see the students’ 3D printing projects in action. Throughout the month of June, students from the winning schools also had the opportunity to visit Stryker’s manufacturing facility in Anngrove, county Cork to experience first-hand the innovative work underway in additive manufacturing.

Eimear Cummins, sixth class teacher at St Catherine’s National School, said: “We are incredibly proud of our students and the commitment they have shown throughout the Empower3D programme. From the outset, they fully embraced the challenge of identifying real issues within their school environment and working collaboratively to develop practical solutions, including their winning entry, Lunch Box Clip. For many of them, this was their first experience of 3D design and printing, and it has been remarkable to see how quickly they developed their skills, confidence and creativity. The process encouraged them to think critically, test their ideas and learn from each stage of development.”