BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition Entries Keep Climbing for 2013

BT has today announced that it has broken all previous records for entries received with the 2013 BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition set to be the biggest ever. With 1,879 ideas entered from 4,189 students from 32 counties, never has there been such an appetite from young people to drive a better future for Ireland.

Since BT took over as organiser and sponsor of the event, the quantity and quality of entries received from students has continued to surpass all expectations. In recent years there has been a significant increase in the number of students developing commercially viable projects and demonstrating entrepreneurial flair. This year, entries in the Technology category are at an all time high with a 24% increase in entries since the 2012 exhibition.

BT is committed to contributing towards a better future for Ireland. Through this promise, BT has continued to develop and grow a platform where students are encouraged to engage in science, technology, engineering, maths and commercialisation. Now, more than ever, the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition is geared towards driving skills and innovation for the future of Ireland Inc.

The 2013 entries at a glance:

• 1,879 entries received spanning 32 counties
• 4,189 students
• 362 schools represented

Number of entries per category:

• Biological & Ecological Sciences: 504
• Chemical, physical & Mathematical Sciences: 308
• Social & Behavioural Sciences: 697
• Technology: 370

Minister for Education and Skills, Ruairí Quinn T.D., said

Now In its 49th year, the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition continues to break new records for both the number of projects entered and schools competing. Research and innovation are critically important to our economy, and I commend everyone involved in the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition for providing a platform to stimulate and showcase Ireland’s talent both on a national and international stage.

Colm O’Neill, Chief Executive Officer, BT said

The increased engagement that secondary school students are showing in this 49 year old exhibition is remarkable. The vision of the exhibition founders and BT has become a reality – raising awareness of the sciences, unearthing new ideas, giving young people a platform to shine, and showing Ireland’s scientific skills at international competitions. We’re looking forward to the show in January, where we get to hear firsthand these young people’s solutions for a better future.

BT is responsible for the end to end organisation of the exhibition, and over the years has put together an eco-system of private and public sector organisations with whom it shares a common goal to advance engagement with the sciences, technology and commercialisation. More than 150 BT employees help to deliver what is one of the longest running and largest events of its kind in the world.

The 2013 BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition will take place in the RDS (Royal Dublin Society), Dublin from January 9th – 12th.
For more information on the exhibition visit www.btyoungscientist.com or connect on http://www.facebook.com/BTYSTE or http://twitter.com/btyste.
Alternatively, you can 1800 924 362 (ROI) or 0800 917 1297 (from NI).