New Sponsor Revealed for Young Scientist Exhibition: Stripe Steps Up to Support Young, Innovative Minds
financials Services Firm Stripe to Sponsor Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition
Financial technology company Stripe has been selected as the new title sponsor for the Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition (YSTE), a contest showcasing projects from secondary school students in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM).
Previously, telecommunications giant BT announced in February that it would be stepping down after 25 years as the organizer and main sponsor of the event.
Stripe's co-founder and CEO, Patrick Collison, is a former YSTE winner, and his brother John was awarded a category prize at the competition. The tech company has signed a five-year sponsorship agreement following a rigorous selection process.
The YSTE board chose Stripe for its clear vision for the contest, its commitment to a multi-year sponsorship, and its ability to support the large volunteer force essential for delivering the event's scale.
"YSTE holds a special place for me and my brother," said Patrick Collison. "It amplified our curiosity and reinforced our confidence at a critical juncture."
"We're honored that Stripe has been selected to help preserve it for future generations," he added.
Born in 1965 by Dr Tony Scott and Rev Dr Tom Burke, YSTE has become one of the most prominent events of its kind, attracting over 40,000 visitors annually, making it one of the biggest in Europe and globally.
The winners of the competition participate in prestigious international events such as the European Union Contest for Young Scientists.
The online entry system for next year's YSTE, happening from 7 to 10 January 2026, is now open with a deadline for submissions on 26 September 2025.
Stripe, a leading online payment software company, might bring its innovative spirit and commitment to technology and education to the YSTE, although specific details about its intentions are not readily available. Having reached a valuation of $91 billion, Stripe's potential involvement could signal a significant boost for the event.
Minister for Education Helen McEntee thanked BT Ireland for their 25 years of involvement with the YSTE. "We look forward to continuing our strategic partnership with YSTE and working with Stripe as they empower students to embrace new ideas, foster curiosity, and encourage a love of learning," she said.
Dr Scott, YSTE's co-founder, expressed his gratitude for Stripe's support. "It's indispensable that we sustain and evolve the exhibition to capture young inquiring minds for years to come," he stated.
- Stripe, a technological powerhouse with a history rooted in education and self-development, may bring its innovative spirit to the Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition (YSTE), enriching the competition with cutting-edge ideas and a commitment to fostering learning.
- As a former winner of YSTE and an avid advocate for education, Stripe's co-founder and CEO, Patrick Collison, understands the crucial role that events like YSTE can play in nurturing curiosity and reinforcing confidence in young learners, emphasizing the importance of technology and education in the exhibition's future.
