After a quarter of a century as the organiser and title sponsor of the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition (BTYSTE), telecommunications giant BT has announced it will step down from the role.
The decision follows BT’s recent strategic realignment in Ireland, including the sale of some business units, subject to regulatory approval. The company said these changes have led to a reassessment of its involvement in the exhibition.
As a result, the board of the Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition (YSTE) has begun the search for a new title sponsor while encouraging students to start preparing for the 2026 event, which is set to take place from January 7-10 next year.
Acknowledging BT’s Legacy
The YSTE board expressed its gratitude to BT Ireland for its long-standing support, which has helped transform the exhibition into one of Ireland’s most prestigious science and technology competitions.
Professor Pat Guiry, Chair of the Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition Ltd, praised BT for its commitment:
“We would like to thank everyone at BT Ireland for their commitment to YSTE over the past quarter of a century. Their custodianship, organisation, and sponsorship have elevated the exhibition to the position of national prominence that it enjoys today.”
Shay Walsh, Managing Director of BT Ireland, acknowledged that the decision to step away was not taken lightly but was necessary due to strategic and organisational changes within the company.
“It has been a privilege and honour to organise the Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition. We would like to thank Dr Tony Scott, Prof Pat Guiry, the Young Scientist Exhibition Board, and the entire ecosystem who worked alongside us to inspire a passion for science, technology, engineering, and maths in a generation of students across the island of Ireland,” Mr Walsh said.
He also reassured stakeholders that BT will work closely with the YSTE board to ensure a smooth transition to a new sponsor once the selection process is complete.
A New Chapter for the Young Scientist Exhibition
The BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition has been a cornerstone of Irish education for decades, encouraging students to engage with science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Over the years, it has produced groundbreaking projects and launched the careers of many young innovators.
As BT prepares to exit, the focus now shifts to finding a new sponsor that can continue the exhibition’s legacy and support the next generation of young scientists and technologists.
Despite the change in sponsorship, the 2026 exhibition is on track, and organisers remain committed to ensuring its success. Students across Ireland are being encouraged to begin preparing their entries, as the event remains a key platform for young scientific talent.
With BT’s departure, the Young Scientist Exhibition enters a new era—one that will see fresh leadership but continue to inspire innovation, creativity, and excellence in STEM fields.