This was the first national celebration of creative technology in Ireland.
Kinia is an education-focused non-profit organisation and social enterprise, whose aim is to ensure that critical future focussed skills and digital learning opportunities are accessible and available for all children and young people.
The Kinia event took place in March 2023 in Cumann na bhFiann, Ionad Oige na hEireann, Drumree, Co Meath. It welcomed guests working in all types of youth focussed organisations and roles, including teachers, family resource centre professionals, youth workers and of course young people aged between 12-18 years.
The event highlighted the remarkable creative technology projects of young people throughout Ireland in the areas of STEAM, Digital Media and Computer Science.
Earlier in the week, an all-Irish version of the same event – Tech Feile – took place.
Attendees enjoyed a full programme of fully interactive events including the Kinia Robot Wars Competition, Kinia Live Concert, Kinia LAB & Spaces and a live-streamed Kinia Award Ceremony.
The Robot Wars – an initiative created to enhance team building skills and effective planning, as well as developing STEM and digital skills – was a highlight for most. Winner of the Robot Wars was Evan Timmins (11) from Guardian Angels N.S in Blackrock, Co Dublin, and Kinia Tech Spacer of the Year was Ryan Campbell (17) from Enniscorthy in Co Wexford.
The live music concert was a further highlight of the evening. Ten talented musicians and youth bands took centre stage and their performances were broadcast live across Spotify & YouTube platforms.
The event also coincided with the launch of the brand new Kinia NanoCreds – unique credentials for children and young people that reward, incentivise, and build confidence as they strengthen their 21st-century digital skills in creative technology. Recipients are the first in Ireland to receive a Kinia NanoCred, which is a European Digital Credential for Learning.
“We’re delighted with the response to Creative Technology Week, the first nationally recognised celebration of Creative Technology here in Ireland, and to see such abundant talent on display at both this year’s Tech Feile and Creative Tech Fest events.
“It has given young people an opportunity to broaden their aspirations and be recognised for their learning skills development in Digital Media, Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths.
“The events during the week are a celebration of potential, and are designed to spark interest in future career paths, helping to make sure that no young person is left behind in an increasingly complex and digital future.”
The Kinia Creative Technology Week event is supported by ESB, Department of Tourism Culture and An Gaeltacht, Creative Ireland, Medtronic, Science Foundation Ireland, Rethink Ireland, and Sonalake.
For further event updates, follow @KiniaCommunity on Instagram & Twitter:
@KiniaCommunity @DeptCultureIRL @MDTFoundation @creativeirl @scienceirel @Rethink_Ireland @SonalakeHQ @ESBGroup