Thousands of students from across Ireland will arrive at the RDS Dublin this week for the 2026 Stripe Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition (YSTE), one of the world's leading student science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) events.
This year's exhibition is the first under new title sponsor Stripe, the programmable financial services company, dual-headquartered in Dublin and San Francisco. It will be officially opened tomorrow by the President of Ireland, Catherine Connolly, and Stripe cofounder and former YSTE winner Patrick Collison. The opening ceremony runs from 2:00-3:00 p.m. and will be livestreamed at youtube.com/@StripeYSTE.
From Wednesday, 550 student projects–selected from 1,974 entries–will go on display across five categories: Technology, Biological and Ecological Sciences; Social and Behavioural Sciences; Chemical, Physical and Mathematical Sciences; and Health and Wellbeing. A judging panel of experts from science, technology, and business will select over 200 prize winners, including the overall winner, who will take home €7,500 in prize money and represent Ireland in the EU Contest for Young Scientists (EUCYS).
Cutting-edge science and technology on display
The 2026 entries highlight the issues that matter most to young people today, with students employing cutting-edge scientific methods and technology to tackle real-world problems. Nearly a quarter of projects (24%) use or examine AI, covering everything from the future of education and work to predicting crop health and the properties of dark matter.
Environment and climate-related projects make up 22% of those on display, covering climate action, biodiversity, and renewable energy. These include investigations of climate action, solar panels, more environmentally-friendly types of plastic, biofuels made from algae or spoiled milk, and new ways to reuse energy from data centres, busy roads, or simply opening the door.
Health also remains a key focus for students, with projects exploring disease detection and modelling, new treatments for cancer and diabetes, health tech, and mental well-being.
Eileen O'Mara, chief revenue officer at Stripe, said:
"We're thrilled to kick off the 2026 Stripe Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition, Stripe's first as title sponsor. The students are putting the final touches on an incredible array of projects, from AI-powered medical diagnosis to new types of energy. This competition is an important launchpad for every student that takes part, and a real accelerator for Irish science and technology. It's been 21 years since our cofounders Patrick and John Collison took part, and we couldn't be more excited to help shape this national treasure for the next generation."
Dr Tony Scott, cofounder of the YSTE, said: "It is profoundly rewarding to see the exhibition enter this new chapter with Stripe. Since the beginning, our mission has been to help inquisitive young people reach their potential. Having a globally successful company, founded by one of our alumni, now holding the title sponsorship is the ultimate testament to the exhibition's enduring impact."
Old favourites and new innovations at the exhibition
— Discovery Lab: New this year, visitors to the exhibition will be able to interact with cutting-edge technology provided by sponsors, including drones, robot dogs, and a quantum computer.
— On-stage acts: Special acts during the week include Mark the Science Guy, with a new show exploring some of the world's most extreme environments; The Drop Science Bubble Show, where scientist Finn reveals the physics and wonder of bubbles; a career panel for students hosted by Stripe; and drumming workshops with the Irish Aid Centre team.
— Awards ceremony: Over 200 awards, including the Stripe Young Scientist & Technologist of the Year award, will be announced on Friday, January 9. The closing ceremony will be livestreamed from the Stripe YSTE YouTube from 5:00 p.m.
Tickets to the Stripe YSTE can be purchased at st...