Five Schools Take Top Prizes in National 3D Printing Competition

24th June 2025 -

Over 2,000 students in Ireland have taken part in ‘Manufacturing a Healthy Future’, an initiative to help foster STEM skills in primary schools since 2021

Next generation explore how technology can shape a healthier, more sustainable world

Five primary schools from across Ireland have emerged as winners of ‘Manufacturing a Healthy Future,’ a 3D printing design challenge which aims to foster STEM skills in classrooms. With the theme of sustainability in mind, students used 3D printers to develop innovative solutions to challenges within their school communities. 

Stryker, a leading global medical technology company, in conjunction with I-Form, Science Foundation Ireland’s Research Centre for Advanced Manufacturing, has been rolling out the ‘Manufacturing a Healthy Future’ programme since 2021, working with primary school teachers to empower them with the skills and 3D printing equipment necessary to bring manufacturing technology into their classrooms.  

Marking the end of the 2024/25 programme, Limerick primary schools Our Lady’s Abbey, Adare, Scoil Naomh Iósaf, Adare and Croom National School, as well as Scoil Phádraig, Ballyhale, County Kilkenny and Central Model Senior School, Marlborough Street, County Dublin were named the winners of this year’s 3D printing design competition. Throughout the month of June, students from the winning schools visited Stryker’s manufacturing facility in Anngrove, County Cork where they were presented with trophies and saw firsthand the innovative work being done in the field of additive manufacturing.  

The winning entries reflected the students’ creativity and problem-solving skills, addressing real-world needs within their schools - ranging from creating light switch covers, chair back reinforcements, a ball-catching hockey goal, a desk-side water bottle holder to custom drainpipe mesh covers. Judged by a panel from I-Form and Stryker, the teams were recognised for their clear collaboration, thoughtful design iterations, and strong understanding of 3D printing concepts. These projects not only demonstrated strong transferable skills relevant to 3D printing in the workplace but also highlighted the potential of young minds to apply STEM knowledge in meaningful, community-focused ways. 

Patricia Lavin, Deputy Principal, Our Lady’s Abbey, Adare, County Limerick, said: “In our school, the 3D printing project was a hugely valuable learning experience. The children began by identifying real-life problems around the school, then worked in teams to design practical solutions using Tinkercad, an online 3D modelling program. For most of them, this was their first time using CAD software, but they quickly learned how to navigate the tools, think in 3D, and turn their ideas into precise digital models. It was amazing to see their confidence grow as they developed spatial awareness, design thinking, and digital skills — all while collaborating, problem-solving, and learning through trial and error. Seeing their designs come to life on the 3D printer was incredibly rewarding. Every child played an active role, and the sense of pride and ownership was huge. It’s had a lasting impact — they now look at their environment with fresh eyes, always thinking creatively about how things could be improved." 

 

The competition forms part of a wider European initiative supported by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) which provides cutting-edge tools and knowledge, while igniting student interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) through hands-on learning.  

Since launching in 2021, the programme has been offered to teachers and pupils in schools across Europe, including in Ireland, France, Estonia, Lithuania, Hungary and Greece, with over 350 teachers and 4,500 students engaged. Over that time, more than 100 teachers and 2,000 students in Ireland, including over 500 students from DEIS primary schools, have participated. The project partners are Stryker and I-Form at University College Dublin in Ireland, Arts et Metier Institute of Technology in France, University of Tartu in Estonia, LINPRA in Lithuania, PBN in Hungary and LMS University of Patras in Greece. 

Michael Golden, Education and Public Engagement Manager, I-Form, said: “Manufacturing a Healthy Future is about sparking curiosity and confidence in STEM from an early age. By opening up access to cutting-edge technology like 3D printing in primary schools, this project helps break down barriers and challenges traditional perceptions of who belongs in manufacturing. We’re proud to support young learners from all backgrounds to see themselves as future engineers, innovators, and makers.” 

As long-term supporters of the programme, Stryker and I-Form have recognised the need to evolve and innovate the approach to STEM education constantly. Stryker and I-Form scientists and engineers provide technical assistance to the teachers, judge the entries and donate prizes to participating schools towards purchase of educational technology. This support is helping address STEM skills shortages by developing the future talent pipeline at an early educational stage, as well as increasing diversity within STEM and narrowing gender disparities.      

Speaking about Stryker’s continued involvement in the programme, Mag O’Keeffe, Vice President of Global Additive Technologies at Stryker, said: “Stryker’s involvement in the ‘Manufacturing a Healthy Future’ programme underscores our commitment to innovation, sustainability and community engagement. By introducing students to 3D printing at an early age, and welcoming them to our manufacturing facilities, we hope to ignite their creativity and inspire the next generation of problem-solvers. We look forward to expanding the programme’s impact and reach in the coming years.”