The Irish Maths Trust is opening seven new centres across the country to train students for free.
Stripe is the new principal sponsor of the Irish Mathematical Trust (IMT), the organisation behind the Irish Mathematical Olympiad (IRMO).
The fintech giant is funding the educational organisation for three years, and its backing is set to “significantly” expand the organisation’s reach, the two say.
As a result of the partnership, IMT is opening seven new enrichment centres next year to train secondary school students for Olympiad competitions in free weekly classes.
The centres will be established in South East Technological University in Waterford, Munster Technological University in Tralee, Mary Immaculate College in Thurles, University of Galway, Maynooth University, and Atlantic Technological University in Sligo and Letterkenny.
Stripe’s backing comes just after Irish students gave their best-ever performance in the 2025 International Mathematical Olympiad.
The students achieved Ireland’s highest ever team score, jumping 25 places in 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.
Irish Olympiad team. Image: Irish Maths Trust
In addition to the new centres, Stripe’s sponsorship will also help fund IMT’s squad training camps which provide specialised training 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, a lecturer in mathematics at University College Dublin.
“The new JME [Junior Maths Enrichment] 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.”
Stripe’s IMT sponsorship comes just months after the company took on the title sponsor role at the Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition.
In 2021, it signed on a three-year partnership and a six-figure investment to support Patch, the Irish summer accelerator for teenagers. The company was also one among several to back an immersive software engineering programme at the University of Limerick.
“Students who excel at maths often go on to have very successful careers in science and technology,” said Eileen O’Mara, the chief revenue officer at 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.”
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