Around 200 young inventors from across Idaho showcased their creative solutions at the recent Invent Idaho State Finals at the University of Idaho. This annual event, a highlight for students from grades one through twelve, is the culmination of months of hard work, beginning at their own schools.
Invent Idaho, founded in 1989, has long been a nurturing ground for young innovators. Each year, students identify real-world problems and design inventive solutions, starting with their school’s own invention convention. Top inventors from these conventions advance to one of three regional competitions across Idaho, and from there, to the state finals.
Beth Brubaker, Co-Founder and State Director of Invent Idaho, praises the ingenuity on display. “Every year, they come up with great solutions to problems in their own world,” she says. At the state finals, inventions span five categories, with students competing for top honors within their grade levels.
The rewards are substantial. The two best of show winners from grades one through four and five through eight each receive a free patent search with an attorney. Additionally, one high school student will be named grand champion, winning a $1,000 scholarship to the University of Idaho.
Invent Idaho not only celebrates innovation but also aligns with the educational focus on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). By engaging in the inventive process—designing blueprints, building prototypes, and pitching ideas—students develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills essential for the future.
Brubaker emphasizes the broader impact: "Invent Idaho provides a forum for them to solve real-world problems." This journey may begin with a school project but has the potential to spark lifelong passions and careers.
Seventeen state finalists moved on to the National Invention Convention in Michigan this summer, showcasing Idaho’s brightest young minds on a national stage. For more information, visit www.inventidaho.com.