CORK submitted more entries than any other county for the 2026 Stripe Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition.  With 428 submissions it far exceeded any other county. Secondary students from across Ireland have entered a total of 1,974 projects for the competition.

From AI-driven health tools to the effects of Leaving Cert stress, Ireland’s next generation of innovators are tackling the issues that matter most to them. Cork’s project entries trended towards sustainability and wellbeing. Clare took an interest in the biological and ecological sciences. 

Kerry, Tipperary and Limerick submitted health and wellbeing projects. Waterford focused on social and behavioural sciences.

The shifting focus of Stripe YSTE entries helps to illustrate the topics that are becoming more important to students. The number of projects related to AI and machine learning grew 75%, whilst sustainability and climate change entries increased 41%.