Judging & Criteria

Every entry is judged on the same rubric, so inventors know what to aim for from the start.

Every inventor or team brings four things to competition day.

Invention logbook: A record of how the idea came together, from the first problem to the final presentation.
Prototype: A small model that shows how the invention would operate. It does not have to be a functioning prototype, and it can be built from items found around the house.
Display board: A trifold board that tells the story of the invention at a glance.
Pitch: A talk that explains what the invention is, how the idea came about, and why it matters.

Problem identification: Why this problem matters and who it affects.
Research into existing solutions: What’s already out there, and how this invention is different or better.
Invention explanation: How it works.
Development process: How the idea changed as it was designed, built, tested, and improved.

Market research: Who would use the invention and why they would choose it.
Greater good: How it helps people or the community.
Originality: Either a new idea or a substantive improvement on something that exists.

Tell the story: How clearly the logbook, display board, prototype, and pitch showcase the invention.

What judges look for

Judges score three areas. A strong entry shows how the inventor got there, not just where they ended up.