BREAKING: A 15-year-old from County Kerry has just been crowned the winner of the 2026 Stripe Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition for her groundbreaking tool designed to revolutionize brain cancer treatment. Aoibheann Daly’s innovative project, titled GlioScope, employs cutting-edge technology to enable doctors to predict genetic mutations in brain tumors using MRI scans, dramatically speeding up the treatment process.
Currently, medical professionals are forced to rely on invasive brain tissue samples, which are costly and carry significant risks. Daly’s breakthrough could change that. Professor Catherine Darker, head judge of the Health & Wellbeing category, hailed Aoibheann’s creation as “an extraordinary achievement,” emphasizing its potential to enhance early intervention for patients battling brain cancer.
On Friday, January 19, 2026, Aoibheann received the prestigious €7,500 grand prize, presented by Minister for Education Hildegarde Naughton and Stripe co-founder Patrick Collison, a former winner of the same competition. Aoibheann will also represent Ireland at the upcoming European Union Contest for Young Scientists in Kiel, Germany, scheduled for September 2026.
The Stripe Young Scientist Exhibition, held at the RDS in Dublin, attracted over 1,000 students presenting 550 projects this year, showcasing the incredible talent and innovation of young minds. Among the notable projects, Aoife Fadian and Jessica O’Connor from County Sligo received the Best Group award for their project, Sheep Strength II, which explores the use of sheep wool to reinforce concrete.
This year’s event saw participation from high-profile politicians, including Taoiseach Micheal Martin and Tanaiste Simon Harris, who engaged with students and praised their innovative ideas. Notably, nearly 25% of the projects focused on artificial intelligence, reflecting a growing trend in technology and sustainability.
As the exhibition continues to draw attention and accolades, the impact of Aoibheann’s work resonates beyond the competition. Her project not only signifies a leap forward in medical technology but also inspires countless young scientists to pursue impactful research.
What’s next? Keep an eye on Aoibheann’s journey as she prepares to represent Ireland in Germany. Her work could pave the way for significant advancements in brain cancer treatment, bringing hope to patients and families around the world.
Stay tuned for more updates on the Stripe Young Scientist Exhibition and the remarkable innovations emerging from this year’s talented participants.
