Top prizes awarded to Limerick schools in 3D printing competition

FIVE primary schools from across Ireland, including three schools in County Limerick, 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. Marking the end of the 2024/25 programme, Limerick primary schools Our Lady’s Abbey, Adare, Scoil Naomh Iósaf, Adare and Croom National School, were named the winners of this year’s competition along with Scoil Phádraig, Kilkenny and Central Model Senior School in Dublin.

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 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.

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.

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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.

Patricia Lavin, Deputy Principal, Our Lady’s Abbey, Adare, 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.”

Since launching in 2021, the programme has been offered to teachers and pupils in schools across Europe, including in Ireland, France, Hungary and Greece, with over 350 teachers and 4,500 students engaged.