New funding will establish seven new Junior Maths Enrichment Centres in 2026
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Stripe is to become the new principal sponsor of the Irish Maths Trust (IMT), the organisation dedicated to inspiring and training Ireland’s next generation of creative thinkers, promoting advanced maths in Irish secondary schools.
The IMT is the organisation behind the Irish Maths Olympiad (IrMO), Ireland’s most challenging national mathematics competition for secondary school students. Stripe’s three-year funding commitment will secure the future of the competition, which is also the gateway for a team of Ireland’s top-performing maths students to represent the country in the International Maths Olympiad.
Stripe’s support comes shortly after this year’s competitors achieved Ireland’s best-ever performance in the 2025 International Maths Olympiad. The team achieved Ireland’s highest ever team score, breaking the previous record by more than 50%, and jumping 25 places up the international rankings. The team took home two silver medals and a bronze medal, marking the first time Ireland has won three medals at the competition.
The new partnership will also enable the Irish Maths Trust to significantly expand the reach of its national enrichment programme. Seven new Junior Maths Enrichment (JME) Centres will be established across Ireland in Waterford (SETU), Tralee (MTU), Thurles (MIC), Galway (University of Galway), Maynooth (Maynooth University), Sligo (ATU), and Letterkenny (ATU).
These centres will allow IMT to expand its free weekly maths enrichment classes for secondary school students. The classes develop problem-solving skills through creative, interactive mathematics beyond school curriculum, preparing students for Irish and International Mathematical Olympiad competitions. The classes give students in junior and senior cycles an opportunity to develop their mathematical talents, from early enrichment through to international competition.
In addition to establishing new centres, Stripe’s sponsorship will help fund squad training camps scheduled for Feb, March, April, July and August, providing specialised preparation for Ireland’s top senior mathematical talents competing internationally.
“We’re thrilled that, with Stripe’s support, we’ll be able to share the joy of challenging mathematics with the next generation all across the country,” said Dr Neil Dobbs, lecturer in Mathematics at University College Dublin. “The new JME centres will change Ireland’s mathematical landscape for years to come. Together with the training camps, we’ll see improved performance at international Maths Olympiads and more students achieving great things in STEM.”
“Students who excel at maths often go on to have very successful careers in science and technology,” said Eileen O’Mara, chief revenue officer of Stripe. “The Irish Maths Trust has quietly nurtured extraordinary talent for years, and Ireland’s recent success in global competition demonstrates what’s possible with proper support. We’re proud to ensure this vital programme can continue and expand its reach to every corner of Ireland.”
Stripe’s sponsorship of IMT comes alongside other programmes to accelerate scientific and technological progress in Ireland, including the Stripe Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition, the youth accelerator Patch, and the University of Limerick’s Immersive Software Engineering course. With Stripe’s backing, the IMT will be able to deliver mathematics training to more students, helping them to develop the skills needed to excel in these other programmes, and pursue careers in science and technology.
TechCentral Reporters