Students aged 12–19 across Ireland have just three weeks left to submit entries for the 2026 Stripe Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition, the first exhibition to take place with programmable financial services company Stripe as title sponsor. The event will be held at the RDS, Dublin, from 7–10 January 2026, and applications must be submitted by 5 p.m. on 26 September 2025.
Ireland has a long history of world-changing inventions and scientific contributions, from the modern submarine to the portable defibrillator to the rocket-propelled ejector seat. Continuing this tradition, many YSTE alumni have gone on to be scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs, developing ideas that have advanced society.
Stripe became the title sponsor of the exhibition in May 2025, succeeding BT Ireland after their 25-year custodianship of the event. The appointment marked twenty years since Stripe co-founders Patrick and John Collison competed at the 2005 YSTE, where Patrick was crowned the overall winner and John took home a category award.
As title sponsors, Stripe will preserve YSTE’s proven formula and maintain popular initiatives introduced by BT, including the Primary Science Fair, Business Bootcamp, accommodation grants, and meal vouchers. In partnership with the YSTE Board, Stripe plans to enhance the exhibition for the next generation of scientists and technologists, with more guidance and inspiration for students preparing their projects, additional resources for teachers, and new ways for alumni to connect and collaborate. Alongside favourite exhibits from prior years, Stripe YSTE 2026 will feature fresh installations showcasing cutting-edge technology like AI, along with books that have inspired ideas to improve the world.
To mark the start of this exciting new chapter, Stripe unveiled a refreshed brand identity and website for Stripe YSTE. The new design builds on the exhibition’s established look, inspired by the power of science and technology, and celebrates the work of young scientists.
Eileen O’Mara, chief revenue officer at Stripe, said: “We can't wait to see what the next generation of inventors and researchers are cooking up. The Stripe Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition is a launchpad for young people with big ideas, and we know from Stripe’s own history that it can be an incredible catalyst for your future studies and career. Whether you're building a new climate technology or investigating a cure for a disease, this is your moment to shine.”
Professor Pat Guiry, Chairperson of the Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition Board added: “As we begin this exciting new chapter with Stripe as title sponsor, we remain inspired by the ingenuity that students in Ireland bring to their projects every year. With just weeks to go until the deadline, I would encourage all young people with a passion for STEM to seize this opportunity. We look forward to welcoming the next generation of bright minds to the RDS in January.”
Prizes and entry information
Stripe YSTE awards prizes across five categories:
There are over 200 prizes available, with a total prize fund of €50,000—including a top award of €7,500. The winners of the Stripe Young Scientist & Technologist of the Year Award 2026 will represent Ireland at the European Union Contest for Young Scientists (EUCYS), a competition where Ireland has won first place 17 times in the past 35 years.
To enter, students simply need to complete an online application and submit a one-page proposal outlining their idea. Finalists will be announced at the end of October, with their projects showcased at the exhibition in January.
