Team of 2–4 · Model or prototype, display, and possible sales pitch
Inventions and Innovations
Your team develops an invention or improves an existing idea to meet a real need.
What you make or do
- Create a model or prototype using mostly recycled materials. It may show how your idea would work or be a working model.
- Make a static display that explains the need, your brainstorming, the recycled materials, drawings, and how you built the model.
- Prepare a sales pitch explaining why someone should invest in your idea. Teams that advance present it to the judges.
This year’s challenge
There is no separate annual theme listed. Your team identifies a need and develops an invention or innovation that uses mostly recycled materials.
How the competition works
Before the event
Research a need, develop the model or prototype and display, and prepare the sales pitch before the conference.
First round
Check in the display and model together. Judges review the display first, then evaluate the models from the highest-scoring displays to choose semifinalists.
If you advance
Give a seven-minute sales pitch and answer questions for two minutes. Your team has one minute to set up.
Know before you choose: The display and model together must fit within 15 inches deep, 30 inches wide, and 48 inches high. Both are required at check-in.
How your work is scored
Judges score the display's explanation of the need and solution, the model or prototype, and the sales pitch and interview for teams that advance.
Official files to keep
- Download the full event guide (PDF)
- Download the official rubric or score sheet (PDF)
- Download the general rules (PDF)
- Download the complete guide with the forms appendix (PDF)
Read the guide, current challenge, and updates together. This overview helps you choose; the official documents give the full requirements.
Guide evidence: 197–202. Annual sources checked September 10, 2026. These are national competition rules; your teacher will confirm any regional or state changes.
Interested in this event?
Use the notes sheet to check what this choice would involve.
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