In this episode of Tech Radio, Niall Kitson broadcasts from the RDS Dublin for the 2026 Stripe Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition, where 1,000 students are showcasing over 550 projects. This year's innovations bridge the gap between high-end tech and practical community solutions, featuring everything from Eco Sprout, a sustainability app for conscious shopping, to a specialized underwater rescue headset that uses eye-tracking sensors to prevent drownings.

The exhibition highlights a strong move toward "gamifying" positive behavior, seen in the Bin Box robots that reward proper waste disposal with music and prizes. Other technical breakthroughs include Power Predict, an app forecasting power outages ten days in advance, and Gatekeeper, a Raspberry Pi-powered system designed to help dairy farmers detect livestock lameness at a fraction of the cost of commercial alternatives.

The episode also tackles the social and biological challenges of the modern era. Students share findings on algorithmic bias in AI imagery and the hidden impact of Snapchat on teenage dating habits and mental health. The showcase concludes with a look at the gut microbiome, where student research suggests surprising effects of zero-sugar drinks on beneficial bacteria. Press play for a fast-paced tour of the brilliant young minds shaping Ireland’s technological landscape in 2026.