Cork students inspired to turn ideas into reality
Whether inspired by artificial intelligence, the physics of the world around them, advances in medicine, or what data reveals about human behaviour, Cork students are encouraged to bring forward their most innovative ideas as part of the 2027 Strip Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition (Stripe YSTE).
Secondary school students from Cork are invited to turn their curiosity and ideas into reality and showcase them at the RDS in Dublin from 6-9 January 2027.
This is the second year of the Stripe YSTE. The inaugural exhibition, held in January 2026, drew 3,670 entries, with 550 projects featuring over 1,000 students.
The total prize fund has increased by 25%, and more than 200 prizes are to be awarded. The overall winners will receive the Stripe Young Scientist(s) & Technologist(s) of the Year Award and a top prize of €10,000.
They will also go on to represent Ireland at the European Union Contest for Young Scientists (EUCYS).
The 2027 exhibition will present across five categories – Biological and Ecological Science, Chemical, Physical and Mathematical Science, Health and Wellbeing, Social and Behavioural Science, and Technology.
A special programme is also being introduced for the exhibition’s top four awarded projects.
Stripe YSTE Catalyst will see participants paired with mentors from academia, industry, and Stripe’s own engineering and science teams, travel to San Francisco to visit some of the world’s leading technology companies, and present their projects at Stripe Sessions, Stripe’s flagship annual conference.
Eileen O’Mara, Vice Chair at Stripe said: “Many of the world's most impactful ideas started as simple school experiments. The Stripe Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition gives young people the platform to explore big questions, build something new, and share it with the world.
“This year, we’re investing more than ever: alongside increased prizes and travel support, our new Stripe YSTE Catalyst programme will connect exceptional students with the mentors who can help them imagine what’s possible next. We encourage every student in Ireland to apply, follow their curiosity, and take on the problems they think matter most."
Dr Tony Scott, Co-Founder of the Stripe YSTE said: “For more than sixty years, the Stripe Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition has demonstrated what can happen when young people are encouraged to explore the questions that matter to them.
“Each year, students bring forward work of remarkable creativity and rigour, testing ideas, gathering evidence and applying method to problems that matter.
“The introduction of Stripe YSTE Catalyst is a very welcome development, extending that journey beyond the exhibition and giving students the opportunity to deepen their research, learn from experts and discover what serious scientific thinking can achieve," he said.
Total funding has also been increased by 25% to €150,000 compared to 2026. The bursary will help fund transport and accommodation for teachers and students traveling to Dublin for the four-day event.
Teachers and parents can find guidance on scoping and submitting a project on the Stripe YSTE website or in the Stripe YSTE handbook, which is issued to schools each August. The deadline for entries is 25 September.
Hildegarde Naughton, Minister for Education and Youth said: “The Stripe Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition is a wonderful celebration of the creativity, curiosity and talent of young people across Ireland. Each year, students demonstrate remarkable originality as they explore issues ranging from challenges in their local communities to some of the biggest global questions we face.
“I am delighted to continue my department’s strong partnership with the exhibition. It provides students with an invaluable opportunity to develop skills in research, critical thinking, problem solving and communication, while building confidence and sharing their ideas.
“I wish all students every success and look forward to seeing the talent, innovation and enthusiasm on display at the 2027 exhibition,” she said.