Payments firm Stripe replaces BT as sponsor of Young Scientist Exhibition – 20 years after founder Patrick Collison won top prize
In 2005, Stripe co-founder Patrick Collison won the competition for a project that included the creation of a new programming language.
His younger brother and Stripe's other co-founder, John, also won a category award at the event.
Stripe is now worth $91.5bn (€80.5bn), the most valuable company ever created by Irish founders.
'[This] is a special institution for me and John,' Mr Collison said.
'It amplified our curiosity and reinforced our confidence at a critical juncture. We're honoured that Stripe has been selected to help preserve it for generations to come.'
'It's very rare to find a youth science event that captures the imagination of a whole country
The competition is in its 60th year, founded by Dr Tony Scott and Rev Dr Tom Burke in 1965. With an average of more than 40,000 visitors each year, the annual winners participate in international events such as the European Union Contest for Young Scientists.
The sponsorship deal was the subject of a competitive selection process, according to the YSTE.
'[Stripe's] support ensures we can continue to inspire the next generation of scientists, technologists, engineers and innovators,' co-founder Dr Scott said. 'It's vital that we not only sustain the strong reputation and level of interest in the exhibition year-on-year, but continue to evolve and engage young inquiring minds in new and meaningful ways for years to come.'
The online entry system for the 2026 Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition, open to secondary school students aged 12 to 19, is open for submissions.
Deadlines for submissions, the organisation says, will close on September 26 of this year.
'It's very rare to find a youth science event that captures the imagination of a whole country,' Eileen O'Mara, Stripe's chief revenue officer, said.
'YSTE propels many students into a lifelong career in Stem and strengthens Ireland's science and technology ecosystem. We are delighted to be chosen as title sponsors of the exhibition and look forward to working with the YSTE team and board to continue inspiring young people with the power of science.'
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