Health and AI top the agenda for Irish students at Stripe Young Scientist Exhibition

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Aishling Monaghan

The 2026 Stripe Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition (YSTE) promises to be a showcase of Ireland’s next generation of innovators, with secondary students from across the country exploring the issues that matter most to them.

County Meath will be well represented at this year’s Stripe YSTE and further details on these schools, students and their projects will be shared shortly, giving readers a closer look at the exciting research and achievements of young scientists from our county.

Nearly 2,000 projects were submitted this year, reflecting a surge of interest in artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), health tech, sustainability, and robotics. Students also explored cultural and social topics shaping their daily lives, from TikTok and music to vaping and Leaving Cert stress.

The data highlights shifting interests among Ireland’s young scientists. AI and ML projects rose by 75 per cent, while sustainability and climate change submissions grew 41 per cent. Robotics saw a 100 per cent increase, and renewable energy projects rose by 50 per cent. In contrast, projects focusing on social media fell by 16 per cent, indicating changing priorities among students.

Coláiste Ríoga student Clodagh Campbell will present her project titled “Unmasking Potential: Developing a Flagging Tool for Autism in High-Masking, Bright Girls.”

Health remains a major focus, with 27 per cent of entries exploring mental health, stress, anxiety, depression, sleep, and wellbeing. Technology features prominently in these projects, with AI-driven mental health tools, wearable health monitors, and fitness and nutrition apps among the submissions.

Dr. Tony Scott, co-founder of YSTE, said: “The level of intellect and curiosity displayed in this year’s project entries has amazed us. Narrowing down 1,974 entries to just 550 finalists was no small task, and we look forward to hearing more from students at the exhibition in January.”

Beaufort College: Tymoteusz Witek who is participating in this year's Stripe Young Scientist Exhibition.  His research is on the role of temperature dependant enzymes in weightlifting performance.

Eileen O’Mara, Chief Revenue Officer at Stripe, added: “It’s brilliant to see students using science to understand themselves, their communities, and the world around them. The balance between deep scientific inquiry and social awareness is truly exciting.”

Visitors to the 2026 Stripe Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition can expect a thrilling mix of science and innovation. From a school experiment that “electrocutes” an entire class to cutting-edge projects featuring a quantum computer, a robotic dog, and a drone, the exhibition promises to showcase the creativity and curiosity of Ireland’s next generation of scientists and engineers. The event runs at the RDS, Dublin, from January 7–10, giving students, teachers, and families a chance to explore thousands of projects across science, technology, and innovation.

The exhibition takes place from Wednesday, 7th January to Saturday, 10th January 2026 at the RDS Main Arena in Dublin, with tickets available at www.stripeyste.com/tickets.

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