The national competition, which saw over 12,000 primary school students register in 2025, challenges children to dream up engineering solutions that can make life better in their communities. More than 270 volunteer engineers, trained through the STEPS programme, visited participating 3rd and 4th classes nationwide to support students’ ideas.
This year’s winning creation, Sole Extenders, is an ingenious shoe prototype with a built‑in hydraulic lift designed to help people safely reach high shelves without the need for stools or ladders. Developed by team The Engines – third‑class pupils Saoirse Twomey, Willow Frankish, Jack Kelly, Edward Casey, Byron Hourihane and Cathal O’Regan – the device aims to reduce injury risk and boost independence.
Winners of the Young Engineers Award winners 2025-2026, Cathal O'Regan, Jack Kelly, Saoirse Twomey, Willow Frankish, Byron Hourihane, Edward Casey of Barryroe National School, Bandon, Co. Cork
Drumcrave National School in Stragelliff, Co. Cavan, was named runner‑up for its forward‑thinking project, TTS Community Water Supply. Created by Tech Titans – Amber Kelly, Evan Lee and Rían McManus Kearns – the team impressed judges with a timer app that tracks household water usage, connects to real‑time local water‑supply levels, and alerts users to shortages. Designed to raise awareness, reduce bills and encourage more mindful water use, the project showcases how young engineers can empower entire communities to adopt more sustainable habits.
Runners up of the Young Engineers Award winners 2025-2026, Evan Lee, Amber Kelly, Rián McManus Kearns of Drumcrave National School in Stragelliff, Co. Cavan
Praising this year’s entrants to the STEPS Young Engineers Award, Damien Owens, Director General of Engineers Ireland, said: “Engineering is about applying science to real-world problems and designing solutions that help people. It is wonderful to see the students at Barryroe National School excel once again with such a creative. Congratulations to all of this year’s entrants for their imagination, teamwork and dedication. The future of Irish engineering is indeed in good hands.”
The winning and runner-up schools receive an engineering workshop from Designer Minds, and all finalists receive a trophy, medals and framed certificates. All participants receive a certificate of achievement and an online show.
About the STEPS Young Engineers Award
Now in its eighth year, the STEPS Young Engineers Award is one of four primary and post-primary engineering initiatives coordinated by Engineers Ireland's STEPS programme. It is funded by the Department of Education and Youth, and industry leaders Arup, ESB, Intel, and Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII).
Previous winners of the STEPS Young Engineers Award have included projects which aimed to support safety, sustainability and accessibility such as a water safety wristband to help swimmers in difficulty, playgrounds with integrated structures for wheelchair users, and a solar and rain-powered car that aims to reduce CO2 in the atmosphere.