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06 Sept 2025
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06 Sept 2025
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Students from Drumlease NS and Fatima NS in Cloone made their mark at Microsoft HQ in Dublin last week, showing off clever inventions powered by artificial intelligence (AI) at the national Dream Space Showcase.
The young tech whizzes joined over 800 students from across Ireland to present more than 100 creative projects designed to solve real-world problems — from climate change to food waste and accessibility.
The Leitrim pupils have spent the past year learning coding, problem-solving and digital skills through Microsoft’s Dream Space programme. Their efforts came together in Dublin, where they showcased their AI-powered projects in front of industry experts, teachers and other schools.
Projects at the showcase included everything from earthquake sensors and plant health monitors to tools for people with disabilities — all designed by primary and secondary school students.
Microsoft’s Dream Space programme launched in 2018 to help young people learn about science, technology and AI in a hands-on, engaging way. It’s available to schools all over Ireland and is especially focused on giving students in rural communities access to these opportunities.
Since the showcase began in 2023, the number of schools taking part has nearly tripled — with more students using their new tech skills to tackle big global challenges.
James O’Connor, Microsoft Ireland Site Leader, said the students are already showing what the future of tech could look like.
“These kids aren’t just learning about AI — they’re using it to solve real problems,” he said. “They’re showing us what’s possible when young people are given the right skills and the confidence to use them.”
Schools from Longford, Mayo, Cork, Tipperary, Monaghan and Waterford also took part, with more communities getting involved every year.
For the Leitrim students, it was a day to remember — and proof that big ideas really can come from small schools.
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