🎉 STEAM Academy Finale MAY 2026 – A Year of Innovation & Excellence!
(THE STEAM ACADEMY 2026/7 started September 12th 2026)
Connemara Maths Academy & Glenstal Abbey School proudly celebrate the successful completion of our inaugural STEAM Challenge Academy (August 2025 – May 2026).
From the very first session in late August, our talented young innovators rolled up their sleeves and embarked on an incredible journey. Over nine months of Saturday workshops, students:
– Brainstormed and developed sustainable energy business ideas and prototypes
– Mastered AI tools, prompt engineering, and even built their own AI models
– Coded in Python and Arduino creating working devices such as the award-winning self-watering solar-powered flower pot
– Designed 3D models in Tinkercad using Python-generated SVGs
– Produced original music and jingles in professional software
– Explored photography, storytelling, documentary filmmaking, and podcasting
– Documented every step of their entrepreneurial journey
The programme culminated in a fantastic Finale Day on Saturday, 16th May 2026 at Glenstal Abbey School. Students proudly presented their prototypes, websites, and pitches – showcasing creativity, technical skill, resilience, and real entrepreneurial thinking.
Highlights video from the Finale is now live, along with our 13-minute documentary that captures the full story of this groundbreaking first year.
A huge congratulations to all our STEAM Academy students — especially David Wilke, winner of Best Overall Project for his outstanding self-watering flower pot!
None of this would have been possible without the partnership and support of Glenstal Abbey School and Principal Marius Carney. Thank you to the students, parents, tutors, and everyone who believed in this vision.
The future is bright — and it’s being built by these incredible young minds.
The Winners and Runners Up
Winner: David Wilke for his solar powered self watering flower pot
Runners Up: Victor Weylandt for his solar powered Rural Vending Machines and Senan Kinsella for his solar powered wearable sensor aid for the visually impaired.