Intel Mini Scientist Laois winner returns with brilliant dog collar invention

Not alone has kindhearted Laois boy Tomás Ramsbottom proposed a method for children like him to avoid repeat heart surgery, now he is thinking about how to be kind to dogs too.

The Timahoe National School 6th class pupil won the overall Intel Mini Scientist award with his cousin Emma Burke in 2024, for his innovative medical project. It suggests a way to avoid surgery to change the batteries on pacemakers, a surgery that the young boy has already been through four times himself.  Read about that here.

Now he has won another award at the 2025 competition.

Tomás scooped the prize for Most Innovative Idea for his project ‘Canine Care’. 

His project looked at creating a pet friendly dog collar for his new pup, Penny. 

Tomás was beginning to train Penny and learned that she responded best to a calm caring approach. He then wondered if he could create an alternative to a ‘shock collar’ to aid in training his dog. 

His school principal Michael McEvoy told the Leinster Express / Laois Live about it.

"As his research developed he thought it would be useful to add GPS tracking, owner identification and two-way voice commands to the collar. All very useful tools for dog owners. 

"Tomás sought out the expert advice of Donnacha Dunne to design an app and QR code to develop a prototype collar and app.  He was visited by several judges and used his strong presenting skills to great effect."

Tomás really enjoyed the project and he is convinced he has a good product in the making.

“Hopefully with the help of the Canine Care Collar you will have a happy dog and happy owner. Win win for everyone. This year has been another great experience and I am delighted to collect another prize,” the winning Mini Scientist said. 

Tomás with his teacher Anna Moore and principal Michael McEvoy at the Intel Mini Scientist exhibition.
 
His 6th Class teacher, Anna Moore, is delighted with the outcome.

“It is a testament to Tomás that he came back this year with a brilliant project after winning the overall competition last year. We really look forward to seeing what the future holds for him. Today brings to an end, a wonderful journey experienced by Tomas over the past 2 years,” she said.

Read also: Deceased Laois student remembered at school's GAA memorial hurling tournament

Over 7,000 children took part in the Intel Mini Scientist this year and Tomas' project was one of the 80 projects chosen to exhibit on the day.