Secondary Students focus on Health, AI & TikTok for Stripe YSTE

Secondary students from across Ireland have once again showcased their scientific curiosity through the 1,974 project entries received for the 2026 Stripe Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition (Stripe YSTE). 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.

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%. Emerging themes–with lower entry numbers but strong growth–include robotics, which attracted double the number of entries (+100%), and renewable energy, which increased 50%. Conversely, projects focusing on social media fell by 16%, highlighting a possible shift in interest for students across Ireland.

Dr. Tony Scott, co-founder of YSTE, said: “The level of intellect and curiosity displayed in this year’s Stripe YSTE project entries has amazed us. Narrowing down the 1,974 entries to just 550 qualified projects was no small task, and we look forward to hearing more from the students about their projects at the exhibition in January.”

Eileen O’Mara, Chief Revenue Officer at Stripe, said: “It’s brilliant to see students using science as a way to understand themselves, their communities and the world around them. What’s exciting about this year’s entries is the balance between deep scientific inquiry and social awareness. We can’t wait to see hundreds of these ideas come to life in January, and I’d encourage everyone who wants to visit the exhibition to buy their ticket now.”

Health & well-being

Health remains a top concern for students, with 27% of entries falling into this category. Within that:

• 13% explored mental health
• 10% examined the effects of stress, anxiety, or depression
• 6% investigated sleep

Health and well-being projects incorporating technology increased significantly, up 40% compared to last year. Project applications include AI-driven mental health tools, wearable tech for health monitoring, apps for fitness and nutrition tracking, and studies into screen time and blue light exposure.

Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) were standout themes this year, with a 75% increase in project submissions this year. These projects extend beyond the Technology category, with students applying AI and ML across biology, health, social science, and environmental studies. Students plan to use AI to diagnose health conditions, research the ways AI helps or hurts in business and educational settings, and even to predict global natural disasters. Multiple submissions also plan to pit human intelligence against AI to see which is superior.

Sustainability

Sustainability is also a growing area of focus for young scientists, with a 41% increase in projects addressing themes such as climate change, environmental protection, and sustainable living. Submissions investigate ways to decrease the average Irish person’s carbon footprint, the effect of climate change on farmers, microplastics, and even using mathematics to prove why we need to take action against temperature increase.

Culture, lifestyle & everyday curiosity

Applying the scientific method to daily life, many students used their projects to investigate topics that resonate with teenagers in modern Ireland. This year’s entries included:

• 41 projects on music
• 18 on the impact of Leaving Cert stress
• 15 exploring TikTok
• 11 investigating the effects of vaping
• 10 bring endometriosis into the conversation

These entries highlight how young people are using science to question, measure, and reimagine their world, spanning health, habits, creativity and culture.

Tickets for the Stripe YSTE 2026 are on sale now at www.stripeyste.com

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