The 2026 Scratch Competition will launch today, Wednesday the 26th November. Run by the Irish Computer Society (ICS) and Lero, the Research Ireland Centre for Software, the Scratch Competition promotes computing and software development at both primary and secondary school levels.
Since the inception of the Scratch competition in 2010, coding has become one of the essential skills for the future. Scratch is a visual programming language that encourages children to develop essential coding skills through fun and interactive learning. It challenges students to create stories, games and animations using software.
“The Irish Computer Society is proud to support and participate in the Scratch Competition, a remarkable initiative that ignites creativity, problem-solving, and a passion for technology in young people. Competitions like this play a vital role in inspiring future innovators and ensuring Ireland remains a leader in digital skills and STEM education. We are delighted to champion the next generation of coders and creators as they bring their ideas to life through technology.”
— Paula Carney-Hoffler, President, Irish Computer Society
Education and Public Engagement Manager at Lero Dr Clare McInerney said “In this era of Artificial Intelligence, Scratch is introducing a new AI-powered extension. This innovation opens new possibilities for students to explore creativity and problem-solving in fresh, dynamic ways. We look forward to seeing participants in this year’s competition harness the power of this AI extension to bring their ideas to life. The Scratch Foundation remains committed to ensuring that AI is used not only ethically and responsibly but also in a way that stays true to the creative learning process.”
Schools all over Ireland are now invited to register and take part in the 2026 competition. The Scratch National Final will take place in May 2026 at the University of Limerick. The closing date for entries and deadline for project submissions is 13th March 2026. For registration and details visit https://ics.ie/scratch-national-competition/