Coolest Projects Ireland 2026
Rated Intermediate, this free in-person showcase welcomes young technology creators aged 18 or under from Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Individuals or teams of up to five present projects using code, computers or digital technology. The challenge is combining technical complexity with thoughtful design, usability and a clear explanation for judges and visitors.
Verified information
Competition details can change. Always confirm dates, eligibility and entry requirements on the official organiser's website.
Official website ↗OVERALL COMPETITION LEVEL
Intermediate Level
4 evaluation dimensions have source-backed automatic scores; 0 dimensions need conflict review.
Competition overview
Key information
Eligible ages
Up to 18
School level
Young people aged 18 or under in Northern Ireland or the Republic of Ireland
Registration method
Individual Allowed
Competition stages
Project registration, in-person showcase, judging against coolness, complexity, presentation, communication, design and usability
Fee
Free
Online / in-person
In-person
Dates
Competition timeline
Registration opens
Not yet announced by the organiser
Registration closes
Not yet announced by the organiser
Competition starts
25 Apr 2026
Competition ends
25 Apr 2026
Editorial perspective
Our Take
Coolest Projects Ireland is closer to an exhibition than a timed contest. Young creators bring a digital project to a physical showcase and explain it to judges, visitors and other makers. Crucially, the official guidance welcomes works in progress. That removes the false choice between hiding an unfinished idea and rushing it into a brittle “final” version. The judging criteria—coolness, complexity, presentation and communication, design and usability—show why the conversation matters. A technically modest project can still be thoughtful if the creator understands the user, explains a difficult decision and can describe what they would change next. The 2026 Ireland showcase highlighted projects ranging from a Scratch game based on a personal fear to an AI project selected as a category favourite. CompeteMap would recommend the event to young people who have made something they genuinely want to discuss. It is less suitable when an adult has built the impressive parts and the student cannot explain them. The best display is an honest account of decisions, failures and next steps.
Read full guide →Source information
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