Irish primary schools win Stryker's Empower3D prizes

Four primary schools in Ireland have been named winners of Stryker's national Empower3D competition, which recognises student work in 3D printing and sustainable design.

St Catherine's National School in Bishopstown, Scoil Barra Naofa in Monkstown, Newport Convent Primary School in County Tipperary, and Aston Village Educate Together National School in County Louth won in the Best Sustainable Design and Best Learning Journey categories.

Empower3D is a classroom programme run by Stryker and I-Form, the Research Ireland Centre for Advanced Manufacturing. It asks primary school pupils to identify practical problems in their school communities and design responses using 3D printing.

The initiative was previously known as Manufacturing a Healthy Future. Sustainability is now at the centre of the challenge, with pupils encouraged to apply design thinking as they move from early ideas to testing and refining their models.

The winning entries were praised for strong teamwork, problem-solving and creative thinking. One project singled out by teachers was Lunch Box Clip, developed by pupils at St Catherine's National School.

Stryker visited St Catherine's National School to present its award in person and view students' projects. Pupils from the winning schools also visited the company's manufacturing facility in Anngrove, County Cork, where they saw additive manufacturing up close.

The competition forms part of a wider European initiative funded through the Erasmus+ programme. Since 2021, Empower3D has reached more than 160 teachers and over 3,200 students in Ireland, including more than 500 pupils from DEIS schools.

Across Europe, the programme has involved more than 500 teachers and 8,000 students in countries including Ireland, France, Estonia, Lithuania, Hungary, Czechia and Greece. Current project partners include Stryker and I-Form at University College Dublin, Arts et Metiers Institute of Technology in France, and Masaryk University in Czechia.

The scheme focuses on introducing advanced manufacturing tools into primary classrooms through teacher training and access to 3D printing equipment. Scientists and engineers from partner organisations also support schools with technical guidance and judging.

This sits within a broader effort to widen participation in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, particularly at an early stage of education. The programme also aims to address diversity in STEM and reduce gender disparities in the sector.

Mag O'Keeffe, Vice President, Advanced Operations (NPI) and Global Additive Technologies, at Stryker, said the initiative reflects the company's commitment to innovation, sustainability and community engagement.

"Empower3D reflects Stryker's commitment to innovation, sustainability and meaningful community engagement. The creativity shown by students, and the way their ideas are brought to life through 3D printing, is incredibly inspiring. What stands out most is not just the quality of the final designs, but the level of curiosity, teamwork and problem-solving demonstrated throughout the process. By introducing students to advanced manufacturing technologies early on, programmes like Empower3D help build confidence and show young people how their ideas can translate into real-world solutions. We are proud to support initiatives that inspire the next generation of engineers, innovators and makers," said Mag O'Keeffe, Vice President, Advanced Operations (NPI) and Global Additive Technologies, Stryker.

Teachers involved in the programme said pupils engaged with unfamiliar tools and methods while working through practical tasks connected to daily school life. The classroom process centred on collaboration, iteration and presenting solutions that could be made with 3D printers.

"We are incredibly proud of our students and the commitment they have shown throughout the Empower3D programme. From the outset, they fully embraced the challenge of identifying real issues within their school environment and working collaboratively to develop practical solutions, including their winning entry, Lunch Box Clip. For many of them, this was their first experience of 3D design and printing, and it has been remarkable to see how quickly they developed their skills, confidence and creativity. The process encouraged them to think critically, test their ideas and learn from each stage of development," said Eimear Cummins, 6th Class Teacher, St Catherine's National School, Bishopstown, County Cork.

I-Form said the programme is intended to build familiarity with STEM subjects before students reach second-level education. It has worked with Stryker as a long-term partner on the Irish delivery of the scheme.

"Empower3D is about building curiosity, confidence and capability in STEM from an early age. By giving students hands-on access to technologies like 3D printing, the programme helps them see how their ideas can translate into real-world solutions, while also encouraging more young people to see themselves as future innovators and engineers," said Michael Golden, Education and Public Engagement Manager, I-Form.