Calling all second-level Mayo students: applications for Stripe YSTE close next week
Calling all Mayo secondary school students aged 12 to 19: you have just six days 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 January 7 to 10 next year, and applications must be submitted by 5 p.m. on September 26.
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 also 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.
The exhibition’s Accommodation Grant Scheme, now funded by Stripe, is available again this year for schools travelling over 70km to the RDS. Schools in the Delivering Equality of Opportunity for Schools (DEIS), regardless of their location from the RDS Dublin, will be eligible to receive extra funding through Stripe’s Accommodation Grant Scheme as well.
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.
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 previous 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.
Niamh O'Donnellan, head of the Stripe Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition, said: “Stripe YSTE is Ireland’s most exciting stage for young people to showcase their ideas. With the deadline fast approaching, we’re encouraging every student in Mayo to follow their curiosity and apply to take part in 2026.”
For more information on the Stripe YSTE and how to apply, visit www.stripeyste.com. For regular news and updates, follow Stripe YSTE on LinkedIn, X/Twitter, and Instagram.