Events

STEM South West Careers and Pathways Expo 2026

November 18 @ 3:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Celebrating Innovation. Connecting Futures. Inspiring the Next Generation.

What is the STEM South West Careers & Pathways Expo?

The STEM South West annual STEM Careers and Pathways Expo is a vibrant, full-day event that brings together students, parents, educators, and industry leaders from across the South West region to celebrate the power and possibilities of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths), from education pathways and courses to real-world careers in STEM.

Hosted in the iconic City Hall Cork, the Expo will feature:

  • Leading industry exhibitors highlighting career opportunities and emerging technologies
  • Universities, colleges, and training providers showcasing courses and pathways
  • Interactive exhibits and hands-on experiences to bring STEM to life

The Expo highlights how STEM is shaping our future, here in the South West and beyond.

Whether you’re a student exploring your next step, a parent supporting future decisions, an educator guiding pathways, or an organisation looking to connect with future talent — this event provides a unique platform to engage, explore, and connect.

A Look Back: The Impact So Far

The STEM South West Expo continues to grow, bringing together students, educators and industry from across the region. The 2025 Expo demonstrated both the scale of the event and its impact on those who attended.

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Why It Matters

“I have been fortunate to build a rewarding career in engineering, and I know how a single experience, conversation, or role model can influence a young person’s future. As Chair of STEM South West, that is why I believe the Expo is so important. It gives students the opportunity to explore careers, ask questions, and see for themselves how STEM can open doors to exciting and meaningful opportunities.”

Áine McCarthy, Chair of STEM South West

STEM is not just about careers — it’s about shaping the future.

From artificial intelligence and healthcare, to climate action, energy and sustainable infrastructure, the challenges and opportunities ahead require skilled, diverse and inspired talent.

The STEM South West Careers & Pathways Expo aims to inspire students by showcasing real and relatable career pathways, connect education and industry, highlight the world-class opportunities available locally, and make STEM pathways more visible and accessible.

Ultimately, this event helps students across the South West see what’s possible — and understand how to get there.

Who Should Attend & How to Register

students with vr sets

Students

Come explore STEM in action! Learn about career options, talk to professionals, see hands-on demos, and be inspired to shape your own path.

mother and children at STEM expo

Parents & Guardians

Gain insight into your child’s options in STEM. Learn how to support their learning, explore resources, and discover the careers shaping Ireland’s future.

teacher looking at robot

Educators

Discover new tools, resources, and partnerships to bring back to your school. Network with industry professionals and connect classroom learning with real-world applications.

STEM expo event

Businesses & Industry Professionals

Engage with students and educators, raise awareness of your sector, and support the development of Ireland’s future STEM workforce.

Sponsorship Opportunities

Sponsorship packages combine a stand with brand exposure and marketing benefits including logo placement, PR, speaking opportunities, and tickets to the annual STEM South West Awards.

Platinum Sponsor

  • Most prominent stand at the Expo (8.6m × 3.6m)
  • Speaking opportunity at the Awards Dinner
  • Presentation of a key award at the Awards Dinner
  • Logo prominently featured on the event website and in press releases
  • PR and social media promotion before, during and after the event
  • 5 tickets to the Awards Dinner
  • Promotional video played at the Expo and Awards
  • Additional opportunities to enhance brand awareness, including external event branding

Gold Sponsor

  • Gold stand at the Expo (3.6m × 3.6m)
  • Logo on the event website
  • Opportunity to be part of the promotional video for the Expo
  • PR and social media mentions
  • 3 tickets to the STEM South West Awards

Silver Sponsor

  • Large stand at the Expo (3m × 4m)
  • Logo on the event website
  • Opportunity to be part of the promotional video for the Expo
  • PR and social media promotion at the Expo
  • 1 ticket to the STEM South West Awards

Tables, chairs and power points will be made available for exhibitors. Additional Awards tickets are available to purchase.

All prices are exclusive of VAT.

Exhibitor Opportunities

Exhibitor packages are stand-only options — ideal for organisations that would like a presence at the Expo without the additional sponsorship benefits.

Premium Stand

  • Central location stand (3m × 2m)

  • Logo on Event page of the Website

Perimeter Stand

  • Stand at perimeter (3m × 1m)
  • Logo on Event page of the Website

Tables, chairs and power points will be made available for exhibitors.

All prices are exclusive of VAT.

Become an Exhibitor or Sponsor

Want to showcase your organisation and demonstrate your commitment to STEM education? We welcome new and returning industry partners.

To get involved:

Please complete our expression of interest form:

DATE

Date: November 18th, 2026

3pm - 8pm

Book Now

VENUE

Cork City Hall

2026 Sponsors:

lilly logo
Analog Devices Logo
UCC Logo

2026 Partners:

Alcon Logo
Astellas logo