Smurfit Westrock was delighted to support 2026 Stripe Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition (YTSE). Founded in 1965, the annual event showcases innovative projects from secondary school students in the areas of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM).

Over three days, thousands of people visited the eye-catching Smurfit Westrock stand complete with giant corrugated astronauts and rocket. A team of volunteers from different areas of our business were on hand to showcase Smurfit Westrock’s innovation and sustainability capabilities. The miniature Olympic bed and Irish passport, both of which were made by Smurfit Westrock, proved to be a popular draw for the students, along with the space-themed photo booth and corrugated astronaut’s helmets.

 

Smurfit Westrock was gold sponsor of the Chemical, Physical & Mathematical Sciences category which was won by Joshua Corbett from St. Mary’s CBS in Laois for his study on intranasal drug delivery in brain cancer treatment. Joshua was also named runner-up of the overall exhibition. Teacher Ann Blanking from St. Mary’s College in Derry was the proud recipient of the ‘Smurfit Westrock Educator of Excellence’ award.

The overall winner of the 2026 YTSE was student Aoibheann Daly, from Mercy Secondary School in Kerry, for her project to improve the detection of brain cancer.

We were also delighted to have a dedicated space on our stand for Jigsaw, Ireland’s National Centre for Youth Mental Health. The charity delivers free primary care mental health services for young people aged between 12 and 25. The Smurfit Westrock Foundation worked closely with Jigsaw on the development and delivery of its online client portal which is an easily-accessible gateway to its services.

 

Deirdre Cregan, Group VP of Talent & Learning at Smurfit Westrock, said: “We share Stripe’s passion for promoting STEM education and have previously funded research in the area of women in STEM. It was amazing to be involved in Smurfit Westrock’s first year as a gold sponsor at the Stripe Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition and a pleasure to be able to support Jigsaw at the event.”

Garrett Quinn, Chief Sustainability Officer with Smurfit Westrock, added: “It was an unbelievable few days at this leading European event, seeing the energy and enthusiasm from the students, teachers and Smurfit Westrock team first-hand. There were quite a few questions about our Graduate Programme so hopefully we might see some of Ireland’s brightest minds coming our way in the future.”

At Smurfit Westrock, we are committed to supporting the communities in the 40 countries in which we operate. Investing in education and the creation of opportunities for young people are key parts of our activity.