Two Tipperary schools come runners-up in national AI competition

Students from Presentation Secondary School, Clonmel and Colaiste Mhuire Co-Ed, Thurles have been announced as runners-up of the Microsoft Dream Space: brAIn_waves national competition.

The competition was held at Microsoft Ireland’s Leopardstown campus.

Teams tackled real-world concerns in their communities, explored how AI could address these issues, and developed their own AI for Good solutions.

Presentation Secondary School developed an innovative project called ‘Eco-mesh’, an AI-powered fishing net that identifies marine life, particularly endangered species, preventing accidental capture and supporting sustainable fishing practices.

Colaiste Mhuire Co-Ed, Thurles, Tipperary presented their Open-SDETENN project, aiming to democratise self-driving technology through open-source development, making it more accessible and affordable.

Following on from the students’ engagement in the Microsoft Dream Space TV series: brAIn_waves – which launched earlier this year in collaboration with RTÉ Learn – the competition encouraged students to harness their learnings from the series to create and submit their team’s AI For Good solution.

The competition builds on Microsoft’s commitment to ‘Skill Up Ireland’ for the era of AI by way of its national skilling programme. The programme includes a range of AI learning opportunities for young people in primary and post-primary education, as well as courses for graduates and mid-career professionals looking to upskill and specialise in AI.

Five post-primary schools, representing counties Kildare, Tipperary and Dublin, made it through to the final.

CAPTION: Students from Presentation Secondary School Clonmel

Microsoft Ireland Site Leader and Vice-President of Microsoft Global Operations Service Centre  James O’Connor said:

“We were thrilled to host the finale of the brAIn_waves competition at our campus, celebrating the ingenuity, teamwork and digital leadership of students across Ireland. The Microsoft Dream Space: brAIn_waves series and subsequent competition has placed a well-deserved spotlight on AI – a technology that is becoming increasingly integral to our society, education, and economy – amongst our future leaders.

“Through Microsoft Dream Space, our STEM and AI education programme designed to support students from all communities and backgrounds across the island of Ireland, we are equipping the next generation with the essential skills required to thrive in the era of AI.

“As a transformative technology that is becoming increasingly important in our everyday lives, it is crucial that students have the opportunity to prepare for an AI-enabled future. brAIn_waves is one of the many initiatives that we’re delivering to ensure that students in primary and post-primary education can develop their understanding and skills in this vital technology.

“Working together with RTÉ Learn on the brAIn_waves series has been instrumental in providing an engaging platform for students to develop their AI capabilities. The enthusiasm and innovative solutions presented by the participants throughout the competition underscores the importance of industry and education working together to foster the next generation of tech innovators. Congratulations to the winning team and all the participants for their outstanding contributions. We look forward to seeing how these young innovators will continue to shape the future with their remarkable talents.”

Group Head of Children’s and Young People’s Content in RTÈ Suzanne Kelly said:

“It was wonderful for RTÈ Learn to work again with our colleagues in Microsoft Dream Space to support the AI stars of the future. The considerable creativity on display from the next generation of students was inspiring as they presented compelling AI solutions to real-world issues.

“The brAIn_waves competition and series has helped to empower students to not just understand AI, but to become active participants in shaping its positive impact on the world around them.

“Congratulations to Confey Community College for their impressive EcoWise AI project and to all the participants for showcasing tremendous creativity and commitment through their projects.”