At a festive gala in Vienna City Hall, eight winning projects were announced, selected by over 1,000 European citizens from more than 300 submissions spanning 34 countries.

Pictured: Antoinette Brennan (Laois Broadband Officer) and Barry Walsh (Cathaoirleach of Laois County Council) with their Finalist certificates, presented at the Gala Event in Vienna.

The Midland Region STEM project was the sole Irish initiative to be shortlisted for the Awards, with 'Driving STEM in the Midlands' recognised in the Education category.

The Midlands Region (Laois, Longford, Offaly, and Westmeath) was Ireland’s first region to establish a dedicated STEM ecosystem.

This initiative unites key stakeholders to foster skills that meet the changing demands of the labour market, underpinned by a shared belief that regional resilience and innovation are deeply interconnected.

A"s an EU-designated Just Transition Region, the Midlands is addressing structural challenges through a “triple helix” model of collaboration—linking enterprise, education, and public sector partners via the Midlands Regional Enterprise Plan and the Midlands ICT Network," Laois County Council stated.

"This strategic approach promotes inclusive, future-oriented regional development built on sustainable skillsets."

The region’s commitment to STEM is reflected in a range of engaging, hands-on programmes that have already impacted thousands of students. 

Pictured: Midlands Ireland's "Driving STEM in the Midlands" is recognised in the Education category and was the only Irish submission overall to become a Finalist.

Examples of such STEM projects include; VEX Robotics, where three Midlands teams have qualified for the World Finals; STEM Passport for Inclusion, offering a Level 6 qualification and direct access to STEM university courses; and DREAMBIG, a week-long immersive experience in partnership with 16 manufacturing companies, giving young people real-world exposure to STEM careers.

"Together, these initiatives demonstrate the power of regional collaboration to unlock opportunity, spark ambition, and inspire the next generation of innovators setting a benchmark for other regions to follow," the Council stated.

Representing the Midlands were Laois County Council Cathaoirleach Barry Walsh & Antoinette Brennan, Longford County Council Cathaoirleach Garry Murtagh, John McKeon, Christine Collins & Siobhan Grealy.

The Innovation in Politics Awards 2025 took place on 17 September, featuring an exchange conference where John McKeon, Antoinette Brennan and Christine Collins presented the 'Driving STEM in the Midlands' Project.

Pictured: Following the presentation of Finalist Certificates at the Gala Event in Vienna.

The awards gala took place later that evening in Vienna’s historic City Hall.  This event brought together policymakers, experts, finalists, and engaged citizens to exchange ideas and celebrate political innovation.

"Being selected as a finalist in the EU Innovation in Politics Awards 2025 is a prestigious recognition, highlighting the honour of being shortlisted among Europe’s most forward-thinking initiatives," The Council finished.

The Midlands Regional Enterprise Plan "Pathway for Transition" is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the EU Just Transition Fund Programme 2021-2027. This Project is an initiative of the Local Authorities of the Midlands region, comprising Laois (lead partner), Longford, Offaly and Westmeath.

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