The number of entries to the BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition has increased by 25 per cent in the past five years, reaching a record high.
Some 2,000 ideas were submitted by 4,418 students from across the island for the 50th competition which takes place in January, according to figures released today. That is up from 1,616 ideas and 3,712 students for the 2009 contest.
Organisers have noted an increase in the number of students creating commercially viable projects as well as those showing entrepreneurial skills.
More than 30 participants will by given the chance to take part in a ‘business bootcamp’ or intensive commercialisation skills programme.
Students will also be be vying for over 120 awards including the overall award when they take part in the exhibition at the RDS, Dublin from January 8th to 11th.
Most of the entries are in the social and behavioural sciences category with biological and ecological sciences being the second most popular area. More information can be found at btyoungscientist.com.
