BT Business of Science & Technology Programme recognises next generation of business leaders Five young entrepreneurs have been awarded summer placements in two Irish universities following their success at the BT Business of Science & Technology Programme 2011 held at NovaUCD. The secondary school students underwent an intensive course in commercialisation skills, and displayed a natural flair for business when tasked with creating viable businesses from ideas on pioneering sports equipment, biomass fuel development and a flood barrier for domestic use. A team comprising of Katie Pierce O’Shea from Coláiste na Sceilge, Co. Kerry, Barry Holland, from Clonakilty Community College, Co. Cork, Kate O’Regan, from Loreto College, St Stephens Green, Dublin and Romy Gerring from Banbridge Academy, Co. Down won the overall group award. The group worked on P-row-tect, a specially designed rowing glove Katie had entered into the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition in January. The judging panel was impressed by the marketability and originality of the product and Katie’s identification of a gap not currently filled in the market. The budding young entrepreneur is getting ready to target teams competing in the London 2012 Olympic Games. William Clackett also from Banbridge Academy, Co. Down was named best individual for the skills and business acumen he developed over the week of the programme. William’s project was based on research into the affects of loo roll choices on the environment. Colm O’Neill, Managing Director, Business, BT Ireland, said, “Business executives that worked with the students this week were given a real uplift – these budding entrepreneurs don’t focus on the negatives, they are too busy inventing the solutions.... read more
BT launches 2011 Business of Science and Technology Programme with new partner NovaUCD Dublin, Monday 28th February 2011: An intensive business mentoring programme kicks off today to give secondary school students the commercialisation skills they will need to convert their innovative ideas into commercial opportunities. Devised by BT, and delivered by NovaUCD, the BT Business of Science & Technology Programme will involve 33 students who were chosen from the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition which took place in January. The programme was established by BT to help bridge the gap between education and business, and give students an early insight into how to progress from the classroom to the boardroom. At NovaUCD, the Innovation and Technology Transfer Centre in UCD, the students will learn from leading figures from a wide range of emerging and established organisations including: Aristo; Equinome; Bord Gais; Enterprise Ireland; IDA; HEA; Select Strategies; UCD and University of Ulster. Over the course of four days the students will focus on developing a number of projects that stood out for their commercial potential at the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition in January, including: a flexible, waterproof, inflatable flood barrier for domestic and commercial use; the potential of waste materials from hedgerow cuttings as a feasible biomass fuel; and DIY Wind Power – portable community generators for the Third World. Colm O’Neill, Managing Director, Business, BT Ireland said: “Companies and countries alike can fail without the right skills to innovate and compete. There is amazing talent on display each year at the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition, and we are well placed to work with... read more
Friday, 14th January 2011: The winner of the 47th annual BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition has been announced! 15 year old Alexander Amini from Castleknock College, Dublin has taken home the overall prize for his project entitled, “Tennis sensor data analysis”. The announcement was made by Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills, Ms. Mary Coughlan, T.D and Graham Sutherland, CEO, BT Ireland, at the awards ceremony held this evening at the RDS in Dublin. Alexander, a 4th year student, was entered in the Technology category, Intermediate section. Alexander was presented with a cheque for €5,000, a Waterford Crystal trophy and the opportunity to represent Ireland at the 22nd European Union Young Scientist competition taking place in Helsinki, Finland this coming September. There was a 35 percent surge in entries to the Technology category in 2011, with students such as Alexander increasingly deploying technology to invent practical solutions to improve everyday situations and issues. Graham Sutherland, CEO, BT Ireland said, “It is not exaggerating to say that, after 47 years, there was certainly something extra special about the 2011 exhibition. Throughout this week, these students have raised our spirits, and given us hope for the future with their confidence, ideas, and can-do attitude.” “Congratulations to Alexander and all the winners – their work is inspirational and deserves to be showcased through a world-leading event like the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition. I look forward to watching their progress in the coming years,” he added. Leonard Hobbs, Judge, Technology category said, “This project analyses data from wearable sensors worn by a tennis player and identifies different types of... read more
Has your school qualified for the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition this year? If so read on for details of an exciting new initiative where your school could be selected to report on your preparations for and your experience of The BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition 2011. This year the Belfast Telegraph has teamed up with the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition to run a student diary initiative which will feature six of the qualifying young people’s projects from schools across Northern Ireland. Each winning entry will received a video camera to record key elements of their journey to the prestigious annual exhibition and the footage will be uploaded to the Belfast Telegraph’s website. Schools participating in the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition 2011 are invited to register their interest by sending an email tobelfasttelegraph@aikenpr.co.uk by Wednesday 10 November at 5.00pm. Six qualifying projects will then be selected randomly. The BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition is one of the largest science and technology events in the world. The event, now is its 47th year, is organised by BT with the aim of stimulating a passion for science among students in a fun and exciting way. Each year thousands of students from across the island of Ireland put forward their ideas to be in with a chance to win one of more than 100 awards. The focus of the 2011 exhibition is innovation and sustainability – supporting sustainable jobs through the promotion of the core STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) subjects. The BT Young Scientist &Technology Exhibition competition is open to all students aged between... read more
– Record-breaking 3,943 students enter total of 1,735 projects Dublin, Monday 8th November 2010: BT today announced that the 2011 BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition has received the highest number of entries in the 47 year history of the competition. A record-breaking 3,943 students from across the island of Ireland entered the exhibition with a total of 1,735 projects. The number of technology projects soared by 35 percent, indicating a positive trend for an island that seeks to foster home-grown innovation and attract foreign direct investment with our high skills base. BT, the organiser and sponsor of the exhibition for 11 years, conducts a grassroots campaign each year to encourage schools in every county to participate. It has created a bursary to financially support schools from outside Dublin with their accommodation and travel costs. The company has also evolved the exhibition to build on the research and development that students do with their projects, and teach them the business skills that they need to turn those ideas into commercial opportunities. This Business of Science & Technology Programme is helping to bridge the gap between education and business, and connects today’s leading business figures with the next generation of leaders. 2011 Entries at a glance: 1,735 projects entered from 346 schools from 32 counties 3,943 students submitted group or individual projects 520 projects will take part in the exhibition 56 percent of entrants are female and 44 percent are male 1,392 (80%) entries are group entries and 343 (20%) are individual entries 321 Technology projects entered compared to 198 Technology entries in 2010 280 Chemical, Physical & Mathematical Sciences... read more
BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition Attracts Highest Entry Levels in 47 Years – Record-breaking 3,943 students enter total of 1,735 projects Dublin, Monday 8th November 2010: BT today announced that the 2011 BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition has received the highest number of entries in the 47 year history of the competition. A record-breaking 3,943 students from across the island of Ireland entered the exhibition with a total of 1,735 projects. The number of technology projects soared by 35 percent, indicating a positive trend for an island that seeks to foster home-grown innovation and attract foreign direct investment with our high skills base. BT, the organiser and sponsor of the exhibition for 11 years, conducts a grassroots campaign each year to encourage schools in every county to participate. It has created a bursary to financially support schools from outside Dublin with their accommodation and travel costs. The company has also evolved the exhibition to build on the research and development that students do with their projects, and teach them the business skills that they need to turn those ideas into commercial opportunities. This Business of Science & Technology Programme is helping to bridge the gap between education and business, and connects today’s leading business figures with the next generation of leaders. 2011 Entries at a glance: 1,735 projects entered from 346 schools from 32 counties 3,943 students submitted group or individual projects 520 projects will take part in the exhibition 56 percent of entrants are female and 44 percent are male 1,392 (80%) entries are group entries and 343 (20%) are individual entries 321 Technology projects entered... read more
DC10-260 NEWS RELEASE Belfast, Tuesday 26th October 2010:The Faculty of Computing and Engineering at the University of Ulster has today announced its commitment to supporting technological innovation by sponsoring the Best Project from a Northern Ireland School award at the 2011 BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition. In recent years the BT-organised exhibition has recorded a steady increase in entries from Northern Ireland, with local schools being among the top category winners at the event last year. The Northern Ireland specific award was launched in 2009 and was developed to recognise the calibre of entries received from local schools. Announcing the sponsorship, Professor Richard Millar, Dean of the Faculty of Computing and Engineering at the University of Ulster said, “This exciting new partnership reflects the Faculty of Computing and Engineering’s focus on engaging with schools and colleges to raise awareness of the diversity and attractiveness of a career in computing and engineering. “We hope that our support will help to encourage local schools to get involved with the BT Young Scientist & Technology exhibition which in turn will help to produce the next generation of much needed computer scientists and engineers. “Over the past number of years Northern Ireland students have made their mark at the BT exhibition, which is unique in that it encourages pupils to work together to solve ‘real world’ engineering problems using science and technology. Through their involvement, we hope this will help to give students the confidence to think about undertaking a course in computing science or engineering at the University of Ulster.” Peter Morris, Director of Consumer and Corporate Services at BT,... read more
Richard beat off stiff competition from students representing 37 countries, to win the award and a cheque for €2,500 at an awards ceremony held in Lisbon this evening.Richard’s project entitled, ‘A biomass fired cooking stove for developing countries’ won him the title of BT Young Scientist & Technologist of the year in January. His project has been praised for his pioneering and innovative work which will prove invaluable to people in the developing world. Following his success at the exhibition, Richard was invited to join a research team in Trinity College over the summer to explore variations of his work. Graham Sutherland, CEO, BT said, “Richard is an inspirational ambassador for the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition, for his county and his country. Ireland has had tremendous success in Europe and Richard’s award follows on from another Irish success last year when John D. O’Callaghan and Liam McCarthy took home the overall EU title from Paris.” “The aim of the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition is simple – we are encouraging students to make a smart investment in their future by studying subjects such as science, technology, engineering and maths. History has shown that over the past 46 years the winners have gone on to study these critical subjects in third level education and progressed to excellent careers both in Ireland and abroad.” Each year the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition winner receives the honour of representing Ireland in the annual EU competition. Over the past 22 years Ireland has taken home the overall title 12 times, second position twice and third position on four occasions.... read more
The closing date for entries to the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition is fast approaching. Education Minister Caitríona Ruane and Graham Sutherland CEO BT, joined Bangor Grammar year 9 pupil Matthew Bryson to remind students to get their BT Young Scientist & Technology entries submitted by Monday 4th of October 2010. This is the first year of entry for Bangor Grammar to the world leading exhibition which aims to foster interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) subjects amongst students at an early age and is now the number one calendar event for budding scientists from across Northern Ireland. Northern Ireland students were among the top winners at the 2010 event, and it is hoped that schools here will have an ever greater presence and success at the 2011 event. For the 6th year running, BT, organiser and sponsor of the event, is implementing an accommodation and travel grants scheme to encourage Northern Ireland schools to take up the opportunity to enter the competition. Schools can apply for a grant of £90 per individual entry or £180 for a group entry, up to a maximum of £900 per school. The focus of the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition 2011, now in its 47th year, is innovation and sustainability – supporting sustainable jobs through the promotion of STEM subjects. 2010 saw a record number of Northern Ireland schools entering the competition, with a 66% increase in the number of entries received. BT hopes to continue this growth in 2011 by urging students to get working on their projects and final submissions. The event is open to all... read more
– As demand for college places hit record high science loving students continue to benefit from exhibition participation – Dublin, Wednesday 8th September 2010: The closing date for entries to the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition is fast approaching, and with demand for third level places in science, technology and mathematics hitting record highs, students who develop a passion for these subjects at an early age could be at an advantage come exam time. Scientist, teacher and host of the exhibition Aoibhinn Ní Shúilleabháin joined students from Loreto College, St.Stephen’s Green at the new science wing of the Dublin Wax Museum today as they encouraged young scientists to submit entries by Monday 4th October 2010. Aoibhinn, Kate O’Regan, Ruth Dargen and Ciara Walsh spent the day learning about great Irish scientists such as: James Martin, who invented the early fighter pilot ejector seat; Dr. James Drumm who invented the alkaline battery and Aoife McLysaght, who was part of the first team to look at the complete DNA of a human being. The BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition is the biggest and longest running event of its kind in Europe and a launch pad to find Ireland’s next great scientist or technologist. The focus of the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition 2011, now in its 47th year, is innovation and sustainability – supporting sustainable jobs through the promotion of the core subjects of engineering, science, technology and mathematics. 2010 saw a record number of schools entering the competition, with 329 schools submitting a total of 1,588 projects. BT hopes to continue this growth in 2011 by urging... read more
Two former winners of the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition, Richie OShea (2010) and Aisling Judge (2006), have today walked away with an A1 in Applied Maths. In addition, Richie scored an A1 in Physics and Chemistry, an A2 in Higher Level Maths, achieving 575 points in total. Aisling scored an A2 in Chemistry and Biology and a B2 in Physics, achieving a total of 550 points. Both want to study science and engineering in university and are awaiting first round CAO offers next week. Both hailing from Cork, these students were outstanding performers in the exhibition and their passion for these subjects has clearly contributed to their impressive Leaving Cert results. Richie O’Shea, aged 18 from Scoil Mhuire Gan Smal, Blarney, Co Cork, won the exhibition in January 2010 with his project “A biomass fired cooking stove for developing countries” and will represent Ireland in September at the EU Young Scientist. Aisling, who attended Kinsale Community School, Kinsale, Co Cork, won the exhibition in 2006 for her project entitled “The development and evaluation of a biological food spoilage indicator”, and became the competition’s youngest ever winner at the age of 14 at the time. The BT Young Scientist & Technology, now in its 47th year, is highly regarded in both Ireland and Europe as a platform for showcasing the talent that exists in Ireland’s schools and today’s results show what promising futures these two students and other exhibition participants have. BT hopes that these accomplishments will inspire more students to take up Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics subjects. Graham Sutherland, CEO, BT added, “We are delighted to... read more
NEWS RELEASE New initiative to build College participation in BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition Belfast, Sunday 2nd May 2010: A new initiative will see Colleges in Northern Ireland working with BT to encourage college students (under 18 years old) to participate in the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition (BTYSTE). The initiative was announced during the launch of the College STEM Initiative – CSI™ – to encourage more people to study Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics and to develop an awareness of the exciting and rewarding career opportunities available in these areas. The College STEM Initiative – CSI, was launched on May 1 in W5 at the Odyssey, and will lead to stronger links between schools, colleges, universities and local businesses and industry. The BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition is an annual event that encourages students from across the island to devise innovative projects based on the essential skills of science, technology, engineering and maths. Organised and sponsored by BT, the exhibition is now in its 47th year and is one of the longest running and largest of its kind in the world. Held in January each year, the exhibition showcases 520 competition entries from participating students. Welcoming the initiative, Colleges Northern Ireland Chief Executive, John D’Arcy, said: “The BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition is a fantastic showcase for the imagination and creativity of our young people. This initiative will encourage college students to participate in Ireland’s leading science and technology competition and fits well with our broader objective of getting young people excited about Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM). “The College STEM Initiative –... read more
Dublin, Tuesday 2nd March 2010: BT today kicked off the Business of Science & Technology, the pioneering new programme designed to help students progress from the classroom to the boardroom. The programme, which runs from 2nd – 4th March 2010, is a collaboration between BT and key organisations to give future leaders the business skills and knowledge to help them turn good ideas into potential commercial opportunities. This new mentoring initiative is an additional dimension to the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition. 53 students from 13 counties were invited to take part in the programme as they were winners of intermediate and senior categories, the overall top four performers and the winners of merit from the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition 2010. World-renowned technology industry executive, Wendy Kennedy from Canada, will provide training in commercialisation skills using her internationally recognized So what? who cares? why you?® commercialisation methodology.* Through this proven approach, and working in teams, the students will learn the tools and frameworks used by world-class science and technology researchers and apply them to real-world Irish business case studies. The students will be also be mentored by leading executives and professionals from BT, Bank of Ireland, Bombardier Aerospace, Bord Gáis Éireann, Engineers Ireland, IBM, Intel, IP Innovations, and Innovation Delivery. Chris Clark, CEO, BT, “The talent that exists in schools across the island is evident each year in the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition and we wanted to take that one step further and arm these students with the business skills they need to turn good ideas into potential commercial opportunities.” “Through this Business of... read more
