Pictured: Bob Savage, Non-Executive Director and Lead Adjudicator, Elisabeth Wintersteller, Programme Manager – Photonics, Tyndall, Aine McCarthy, Chair STEM South West and Principal Engineer, Product Applications, Analog Devices, and Patrick Morrissey, Director of Innovation and Industry Engagement, pictured at the Tyndall National Institute for the launch of the annual STEM South West Awards 2026. Photo: Colm LougheedLEADERS of STEM in industry, education and the community are to be recognised by the STEM South West Awards 2026.
The Awards campaign was launched this week by Bob Savage, Non-Executive Director & Lead Adjudicator and Áine McCarthy, Chair STEM South West & Principal Applications Engineer at Analog Devices.
Companies, employees and educational partners leading the 75,000+ people working in the South West’s thriving STEM sectors are invited to showcase their various programmes and initiatives that actively support the future talent pipeline and STEM growth strategy in the region.
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In their third year, the hugely successful awards are set to celebrate those who are excelling in their respective fields and are inspiring the next generation of STEM leaders across industry, education and their communities.
Last year’s celebrated winners included Firies National School.
STEM South West, an industry-led regional network bringing together more than 50 companies alongside education, government and community partners across Cork and Kerry, has announced that online entries for the 2026 Awards will remain open until 1st November 2026.
Winners will be selected by an independent judging panel led by Bob Savage and announced at an Awards Ceremony on 21st January 2027.
There are 3 main categories:
STEM in Industry: Employee of the Year, Apprentice of the Year and Company of the Year
– Small / Start up (up to 50 Employees)
– Small to Medium (50 – 249 Employees)
– Large Categories (250+ Employees)
STEM in Education: Educational Initiative of the Year (Primary, Secondary, and Third Level), Educator of Year and Student Initiative of the Year
STEM in the Community: Inspirational STEM Volunteer, STEM Initiative of the Year, STEM Person of the Year and Expo Awards.
Nominations for STEM South West awards are now open at https://stemsouthwest.ie/stem-recognition-awards-2026/ and STEM South West are encouraging companies, education providers and students to get involved in this year’s Awards.
