Deadline: 10-Apr-2026
Coolest Projects by the Raspberry Pi Foundation is a youth tech showcase event for young creators aged 18 and under in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. It celebrates coding, digital making, and creative technology through project exhibitions, hands-on activities, and community engagement. Participants can attend the in-person Dublin event on 1 March 2025, receive certificates and swag, and apply for partial bursaries to support attendance.
Overview of Coolest Projects
Coolest Projects is an initiative by the Raspberry Pi Foundation designed to inspire and celebrate young people who are exploring technology, coding, and digital creativity.
The event provides a supportive and inclusive platform for young tech creators to showcase their ideas, experiment with new technologies, and connect with peers, families, and the wider coding community. The focus is on creativity, learning, and participation rather than competition.
What the Event Focuses On
Coolest Projects highlights a broad range of digital skills and creative practices.
Key focus areas include coding and programming, computers and hardware, digital making, creative technology, youth-led innovation, hands-on coding activities, and project showcasing. Projects may be fully developed or works in progress, allowing participants to share ideas at any stage of development.
Event Format and Experience
Participants attend an in-person showcase event where they present their projects to visitors and fellow creators.
The event includes opportunities to explore other projects, take part in interactive coding activities, and celebrate achievements. All participants receive certificates and fun swag as recognition of their creativity and effort.
Attendance at the Dublin event on Saturday 1 March 2025 is a required part of participation.
Who Is Eligible to Participate?
Eligibility is limited to young people based in specific locations.
The opportunity is open to young people aged 18 and under who are based in Northern Ireland or the Republic of Ireland. Participants may enter individually or as part of a team of up to five members.
Young people aged 13 and over may register their own projects. Participants under the age of 13 must have their project registered by an adult mentor, such as a parent, teacher, or youth leader.
Projects of all skill levels are welcome, from beginner to advanced.
Project Requirements and Categories
All submitted projects must involve code, computers, or digital technology in some form.
Participants may submit a brand-new project or one they have worked on previously, provided it has not been registered for Coolest Projects before or has undergone significant changes since any prior submission.
Projects are registered under one of seven official categories defined by Coolest Projects. Entries must be appropriate for a youth audience and must not include graphic violence, harmful content, or inappropriate language.
Bursaries and Support
Partial bursaries are available to help reduce the cost of attending the event.
These bursaries are intended to support accessibility and ensure that financial barriers do not prevent young people from participating. Details on bursary availability and application are provided during the registration process.
How to Take Part
Participants should start by developing a project that involves digital technology, coding, or computing.
The next step is to register the project online under the appropriate category, ensuring that all eligibility criteria are met. Teams should nominate one main contact for registration.
Participants must plan to attend the in-person Dublin event on the specified date, with adult supervision arranged where required.
Why Coolest Projects Matters
Coolest Projects plays an important role in encouraging young people to explore technology in creative and meaningful ways.
By focusing on sharing, experimentation, and community rather than competition, the event builds confidence, supports digital literacy, and helps young creators see themselves as capable innovators. It also strengthens connections between young people, families, educators, and the wider tech community.
Common Mistakes and Helpful Tips
Participants should avoid submitting projects that do not clearly involve digital technology or code.
It is important to ensure that projects meet content guidelines and are registered under the correct category. Young creators are encouraged to focus on explaining their ideas clearly, even if the project is unfinished.
Planning travel and supervision arrangements early can help ensure a smooth and enjoyable event experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can take part in Coolest Projects Ireland?
Young people aged 18 and under based in Northern Ireland or the Republic of Ireland are eligible.
Do projects need to be finished?
No, works in progress and experimental ideas are welcome.
Can teams participate?
Yes, participants may enter individually or in teams of up to five people.
Is attendance mandatory?
Yes, participants must attend the in-person event in Dublin on Saturday 1 March 2025.
What types of projects are accepted?
Projects must involve coding, computers, or digital technology in some form.
Is financial support available?
Yes, partial bursaries are available to help with attendance costs.
Conclusion
Coolest Projects by the Raspberry Pi Foundation offers young people in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland a unique opportunity to explore technology, showcase creativity, and connect with a vibrant youth tech community. By welcoming all skill levels and encouraging experimentation, the event helps inspire the next generation of digital makers and innovators while celebrating the joy of learning through technology.
For more information, visit Raspberry Pi Foundation.