Welcome to Invent Idaho! We are excited to see your young inventors’ innovative designs and amazing solutions to real-world problems!
REGISTER YOUR SCHOOL, DISTRICT, OUT-OF-SCHOOL ORGANIZATION, OR INDEPENDENT INVENTOR HERE FOR THE 2024-2025 INVENT IDAHO PROGRAM.
The deadline for registration is December 13, 2024.
General competition rules:
- All grade 1 – 12 students are eligible for participation include public school, private school, charter school, home school, or independent students. All are welcome!
- Participants are limited to spending up to $25 for fabricating a prototype of their invention idea.
- For the competitions, participants are required to:
- Create a poster/storyboard outlining the ideation process for their invention.
- Keep a logbook/journal of their ideation and development of the invention idea. - Deliver a short (<5 minute) presentation of their invention to a captive audience.
2025 Competition Dates:
North Idaho Region: Jan. 31 – Feb. 2, 2025
at Silver Lake Mall in Coeur d’ Alene, ID.
Southwestern (SW) Region: Jan. 24-25, 2025
at Jack’s Urban Meeting Place (JUMP) in Boise, ID.
Southeastern (SE) Region: Jan. 25, 2025
at Idaho State University in Pocatello, ID.
The Invent Idaho State Finals will be held April 25-26, 2025
at the University of Idaho in conjunction with Annual Engineering Design EXPO!
An exciting opportunity for our young inventors!
Developing your PITCH:
2-minute pitch presentation are required for Invent Idaho State Finals.
National Invention Convention video requirements:
https://inventionconvention.org/wp-content/uploads/ICW-USN-Video-Presentation-Instructions.pdf
Tips Your Pitch Presentation:
Invent Idaho State Finals Pitch Presentation
Example Pitches:
Corrine Pixton, National Invention Convention winner
Excellent example of an invention “pitch”: https://youtu.be/8_wUQEOzP7k
Katherine Barney example pitch: Limb Regeneration Apparatus
Jolie Martin example pitch: Sleep E Safe
Lily Colson example pitch: Solar Lines
Caleb Torgenson example pitch: Organ Printer
Invention Categories
All inventions may be conceived, designed, and entered by individuals or teams in any of the following categories.
WORKING MODELS
This category includes projects where students have produced a full-size or scaled working model or sample of the invention that really works. The invention must accomplish a stated goal or purpose.
NON-WORKING MODELS
This category is for inventiions that would be too large, expensive, or technical to build. Entries in this category must be more than just a drawing; each entry must include a “blueprint” as well as a three-dimensional model or sample, which does not actually function.
ADAPTATIONS
This is an invention, which takes an idea already in existence and improves upon it. A three-dimensional sample or model of the adaptation is required. “New and Improved!” is the slogan for these inventions.
JULES VERNE!!
This category encompasses projects that would fit into any other category but are too futuristic or fanciful to be judged against more practical inventions. This is the fantasy category and will be judged heavily on originality and imagination. Future space ideas and scientific inventions would be examples of projects for this category. All projects must be accompanied by a neat, fully detailed 8.5″ by 11″ drawing (or larger) and a 3-D model representing the invention idea.
GADGETS AND GAMES
“Gadgets” are ingenious and novel devices or toys, for the purpose of entertainment, education, or amusement. This category also includes original board, computer, and other digitally-produced games, designed and programmed by the student inventor, as well as sports or athletic games and activities. Examples of all the above games, along with complete instructions for playing are required. Inventors must provide all necessary technology and equipment for judging, as well as devices to secure that equipment.
*Entrants are responsible for determining which category is the best fit for their invention.
*An Inventor’s Journal must accompany every invention. This journal thoroughly details the entire invention process and documents the student’s journey from the idea’s conception and prototyping to completion.
Grade Level Divisions
GRADES 1-2 GRADES 3-4 GRADES 5-6 GRADES 7-8
HIGH SCHOOL: GRADES 9-12 (all inventions judged together)
Judging Rubric:
I. DESIGN CHALLENGE PROBLEM STATEMENT= +5 points
- Clearly defined = +3 points
- Why this problem was selected = +2 points
II. IDEATION = +10 points
Details numerous possible design solution ideas
III. RESEARCH = +15 points
- Demonstrates new learning about the topic = +3 points
- Includes interviews with target audience individuals prior to solution creation = +5 points
- Includes interviews with target audience individuals after Production = +4 points
- Identifies a mentor and delineates contributions provided by Mentor = +3 points
IV. EMPATHY FOR TARGET USERS EVIDENT IN DOCUMENTATION = +2 points
V. 3-D PROTOTYPE = +25
- Initial design sketch included = +5 points
- CAD (Computer Aided Design) Diagram included = +5 points
- Working Model = +15 points OR Non-Working Model = + 5 points
VI. EVOLUTION: TEST, REVISE, and REDESIGN = +20 points
- Documents feedback from target audience about prototype effectiveness and defects = +5 points
- Shows evidence of redesign modifications based on tests and Feedback = + 15 points
VII. ANALYSIS = +3 points
Documents higher level thinking to interpret feedback during and after the process regarding benefits to society, effects on the environment, technology that still needs to be perfected for this invention to be produced, limitations for potential markets, and other pertinent information
VIII. SHARING = +20 points
- Shows evidence of sharing with the community to build partnerships = +2 points
- Provides a print advertisement for the product = + 2 points
- Provides a professional looking, quality display documenting design process and benefits of the invention = +8 points
- Provides a video with a clear purpose, documenting the design process and benefits of the invention = +8 points
*Note: Point values in each area indicate the maximum points given for exceptional quality. Points may range from 0 to the point value indicated in each area, depending on quality exhibited.
All FIRST, SECOND, and THIRD PLACE and all BEST OF CATEGORY and BEST OF SHOW WINNERS at a Regional Event QUALIFY FOR THE INVENT IDAHO STATE FINALS. The Invent Idaho STATE FINALS will be an in-person event in 2025 at the University of Idaho in Moscow.
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NATIONAL INVENTION CONVENTION REQUIREMENTS FOR VIDEO RECORDING OF PITCH: https://inventionconvention.org/wp-content/uploads/ICW-USN-Video-Presentation-Instructions.pdf
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NOTE: NAMES AND FACES ARE PERMISSIBLE THIS YEAR IN ALL ASPECTS: DISPLAY, VIDEO, AND NOTEBOOK, ETC. Teams are a maximum of 4 students. ALL inventors who win at their regional event and qualify for the Invent Idaho State Finals will be required to present a 2-minute oral presentation or “pitch” at the Invent Idaho State Finals in order to be considered for an award.
Media Release:
By participating in any level of the Invent Idaho competitions, Parent/Guardian gives permission for their young inventor’s picture and/or name to be given to the media for purposes of promoting Invent Idaho and/or the National Invention Convention. This includes book, magazine, newspaper, website, Facebook, or other media. I understand that there will be no payment for, or monies given for any such use. NO child’s address will ever be given out. Their school may be listed. Parents who believe their child’s invention may be marketable may want to obtain a provisional patent to protect the idea prior to exhibiting this invention. Visit U.S. Patent Office website for information. Note: pictures will be taken of all winners on stage, audience and young inventors, which may be viewed in media, Facebook, You Tube, or other formats.