“The Stripe Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition is an exciting and important time in Ireland’s annual education calendar when pupils and students come together to showcase the creativity, innovation and determination which demonstrates exactly why they are world-leaders in their performance in science and technology. Over 60 years since it first took place, the exhibition at the RDS continues to highlight what’s possible in our world when open and inquiring minds ask questions and explore new opportunities and solutions.

“It was a pleasure to meet with students and members of school communities the length and breadth of Ireland today and wish them well as they begin three days of an exhibition which is sure to inspire, to prompt thought and conversation and to help bring about positive change and development in our society. Stripe is a significant Irish success story started in the years following Patrick Collison’s own win and there is every possibility for pupils and students exhibiting today to follow in his footsteps or blaze their own trail in their chosen field following their own 2026 Stripe Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition experience.

“To all pupils and students taking part, I’d like to wish the very best of luck and enjoy it. You have already achieved so much in getting to this stage. To your parents, teachers and school community who have invested great effort in supporting you to be here today, thank you. My thanks also to Stripe for their dedication to supporting and empowering students along the way to the momentous occasion of showcasing their own scientific research.”