Stripe Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition
Could your idea change the world?
The Stripe Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition is one of Ireland’s most exciting opportunities for second-level students to investigate a real question, test an original idea, and share their research on a national stage.
At Elphin Community College, we encourage students to be curious, creative and brave in asking questions about the world around them. A Young Scientist project is a great way to explore science, technology, engineering, maths, health, society, the environment and the future.
Why Get Involved?
Taking part in the Stripe Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition helps students to develop skills that are valuable in school, college, work and life.
Be Curious
Start with a question that interests you. What problem would you like to solve? What would you like to understand better?
Think Like a Researcher
Plan an investigation, gather evidence, test your idea, analyse results and explain what you discovered.
Build Confidence
Present your work clearly, answer questions and share your ideas with judges, students and visitors.
Who Can Enter?
The competition is open to second-level students from Ireland, north and south, who are aged between 12 and 19 years on 31 October.
Students can enter as an individual or as part of a group. A group can have two or three students from the same school and, where possible, from the same age group.
Stripe Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition Age Groups
| Age Group |
School Years |
| Junior |
1st Year and 2nd Year |
| Intermediate |
3rd Year and Transition Year |
| Senior |
5th Year and 6th Year |
Project Categories
Students can choose a project category that best suits their idea. Your project does not have to be complicated — it needs to be original, well researched and clearly explained.
Technology
Robotics, coding, cybersecurity, machine learning, automation, virtual reality, biotechnology or new ways to use technology to solve problems.
Social & Behavioural Sciences
Projects about people, behaviour, learning, attitudes, communities, society, geography, economics or psychology using scientific research methods.
Biological & Ecological Sciences
Projects about plants, animals, humans, microbes, biodiversity, agriculture, conservation, food science, sustainability or the environment.
Chemical, Physical & Mathematical Sciences
Projects in chemistry, physics, maths, engineering, electronics, earth science, space science, materials, programming or applied science.
Health & Wellbeing
Projects about health, mental health, nutrition, sport, exercise, wellbeing, lifestyle, community, quality of life or social connection.
Important Dates for Stripe YSTE 2027
Key dates for the 2027 Stripe Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition
| Date |
What Happens? |
| Friday, 25 September 2026, 5.00 pm |
Student project entries must be submitted online. |
| Monday, 28 September 2026 |
Teacher assessment forms must be completed online. |
| Friday, 23 October 2026 |
Students are notified if their project has qualified. |
| Thursday, 5 November 2026 |
Signed confirmation forms should be returned through the portal. |
| Friday, 11 December 2026 |
Selected students upload their three-minute project video. |
| Wednesday, 6 January to Saturday, 9 January 2027 |
The exhibition takes place in Dublin. |
How to Start a Strong Project
- Choose a question. Pick something you genuinely want to investigate.
- Research the topic. Find out what is already known and what you could test.
- Create a clear hypothesis. Decide what you are trying to prove, test or explore.
- Plan your method. Think about how you will collect fair, reliable evidence.
- Keep a project diary. Record ideas, research, results, problems, changes and photographs.
- Ask for guidance. Speak to a science, maths, technology, engineering or wellbeing teacher.
Project Ideas to Get Students Thinking
Good projects often begin with everyday questions. Here are some possible starting points:
- Can we reduce food waste in our school community?
- How does screen time affect sleep, focus or wellbeing?
- Can technology help students organise homework or study more effectively?
- Which natural materials could be used in sustainable construction?
- How can we improve recycling, biodiversity or energy use in our school?
- What factors influence participation in sport, clubs or extra-curricular activities?
- Can a simple app, device or prototype solve a real problem for young people?
What Will Selected Students Prepare?
Students whose projects qualify will continue developing their investigation and prepare materials for the exhibition. These may include:
- a project book;
- a project diary;
- a display board;
- a three-minute project video;
- a clear explanation of the aim, method, results and conclusion.
ECC Young Scientist Success
Elphin Community College is proud to encourage student curiosity, research and innovation. We congratulate all students who put forward ideas, complete projects, represent the school, and take part in science and technology opportunities.
Students interested in entering the Stripe Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition should speak to their science, maths, technology or engineering teacher as early as possible.
Useful Links
Need Help?
Students who are interested in developing a project should speak to one of their teachers or contact the school office. We will help students to identify an idea, choose a suitable category and understand the entry process.
Email: info.elphin@gretb.ie
Phone: 071 9635031
Accessibility Statement
If you require information from this page in an alternative format, please contact the school office and we will be happy to assist.