Leaving Certificate students from Galway and Cork came together this weekend for the National Climate Hackathon.
Education Minister Hildegarde Naughton opened the event at the PorterShed in Galway City, and her address to students was live-streamed to Cork.
The hackathon saw students work with real data as part of their Leaving Cert exam projects.
The event is now in its third year and is designed by the PorterShed programmes team and supported by Ross Conboy at St Joseph's Secondary School in Galway City, known locally as "The Bish".
"It gives students practical exposure to environmental datasets, sensors, and climate focused challenges while receiving mentoring from industry professionals and educators," said Mr Conboy.
The hackathon is funded by the Western Development Commission in both Galway and Cork.
CEO Allan Mulrooney highlighted the importance of the hackathon: "Projects like this hackathon are exactly what we need more of across the West of Ireland. They encourage creativity, experimentation, and considered risk-taking, which are essential foundations of a strong and resilient startup ecosystem.
"As artificial intelligence reshapes how we work and build businesses, it is vital that young people are equipped not just to use new technologies but to lead with them. Connecting students with real data, real challenges and industry mentors helps build confidence, capability and long-term ambition. This is the kind of forward-looking, collaborative approach that will support innovation and sustainable economic development across the region in the years ahead."
The programme was delivered by PorterShed Programme Manager, Dushyant Singh.
"This hackathon gives students the space to think critically, collaborate, and apply their learning in a way that directly supports their Leaving Cert coursework. Environmental data can feel abstract in the classroom, but when students work with real datasets and real problems, it clicks. This event is about confidence, capability, and showing students that their ideas matter".
Over the weekend, students participated in workshops, mentoring sessions, and team-based challenges, culminating in a pitch to a panel of judges.
The event places equal emphasis on learning, collaboration, and practical outcomes, helping students strengthen project work while building with real data.
