Invention Convention New York
Where innovators, inventors, and entrepreneurs get their start
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Invention Convention New York 2027 project registration will open in January.

Invention Convention

Invent it forward.

We provide innovation, invention and entrepreneurial learning to instill problem identification, problem-solving, entrepreneurship and creativity skills for life. Our purpose is to inspire young people to become innovators, inventors and entrepreneurs over the course of their K–12 careers.

We offer free professional development featuring curriculum that teaches invention process, creativity, problem-solving and entrepreneurship, guiding students from idea generation to a working prototype. Our live and virtual professional development options for NYS schools and educators of all types school, teachers, homeschoolers , students, after-school programs, 4-H clubs, FFA, JA and Project Lead The Way facilitators and coaches.

TERRA FAIRS 

Let's build a better future together

Workplace TTTRSF Buffalo TRFSEF TNRSEF

CONVENTIONS

Be an Innovator: Dream it. Build it. Change the World.

You’ll build real-world skills in problem-solving, presenting, and entrepreneurship while creating in any area that excites you: music, sports, apps, kitchen hacks, everyday life, and more. Open to every student (not just straight-A’s) at any grade level, the curriculum celebrates creativity, supports you through setbacks, and can even lead to local or national recognition. Ready to show what you can do?

Portals to IC–NY

Advance to IC New York through affiliated fairs, partner programs, or virtual preliminaries.

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IC New York Finals

Selected finalists will showcase their inventions and creativity on a statewide stage.

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U.S. National

NY State gold medalists advance to the U.S. Nationals representing NY on a national stage in Michigan.

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TWNYSF

Serves grades 5-12 in Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Niagara, Orleans, Wyoming

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TNJSF

Serves grades 9-12 in Bergen, Essex, Hunterdon, Middlesex, Morris, Passaic, Sommerset, Sussex, Union, Warren

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New Fairs

If you are interested in working with us to organize your regional ISEF fair, reach us at [email protected].  

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PROGRAMS

Empower Every Student to Invent, Create, and Lead.

Invention Convention is a free, standards-based (NGSS/ELA) K–12 program that builds inquiry, creativity, and 21st-century skills as students design inventions to solve real-world problems. It includes ready-to-use curriculum and lesson plans, along with live and virtual professional development for teachers and schools. Flexible and adaptable, the program can run in any setting or timeframe—whether in classrooms, clubs, or at home in a 9–12 week window and it naturally engages ELA, humanities, entrepreneurship, and the arts alongside STEM. Students gain hands-on experience, recognition opportunities, and the confidence to think like inventors and entrepreneurs.

Educator PD

Bring the IC to your school or classroom! Free on-site or virtual PD for teachers and schools to learn how to integrate the IC curriculum.

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IIP

Learn how individual students can learn independently to explore invention through the Individual Inventors Program (IIP).

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4H

Inspire innovation in your 4H programs! Access free online or in-person PD tailored for 4H leaders to integrate the IC curriculum.

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PLTW

Enhance your PLTW pathway with invention convention. Showcase your students' work at a the statewide Invention Convention finals in Albany.

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SCHEDULE

PARTNER

Cancelled for 2022

Join Us in Inspiring the Next Generation of Innovators

Be part of the Invention Convention community by getting involved as a Judge, Sponsor, or Volunteer. Your time, expertise, and/or funding help empower young inventors to bring their ideas to life, gain confidence, and shape a better future through innovation.

Judge

Help shape the future by evaluating student inventions and providing feedback.

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Sponsor

Make a lasting impact by sponsoring student inventors and programs.

Volunteer

Volunteer for a day in creating an engaging experience for students and educators.

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Resources and Guides

Students

Students advancing to IC NY and ICW, including next steps, deadlines, and required forms

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Curriculum

Access the free Invention Convention curriculum (inHub) with lesson plans, activities

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LogBook

Download the student logbook and learn how to document designs, tests, and reflections.

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Rubric

Review the official judging criteria and scoring guidelines used at IC competitions.

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Video Presentation

Instructions and tips for creating your required 2–6 minute video pitch, including format

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Display Board

Templates and examples for designing a required display board for your presentation

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Prototype or Model

Guidance on building, testing required prototypes and models showcase the invention

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More Help

Find additional forms, FAQs, guidelines, and quick links to key resources.

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ICW Impact by Numbers

A growing community of students, educators, and innovators transforming creativity into invention.

35

States

200K+

Students

15K+K

Educators

33+K

Student Patents

AFfiliated organizations

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Partners & Sponsors