The future of innovation was on full display this year as Arizona launched its first-ever Invention Convention State Finals at ASU’s SkySong Innovation Center and then soared to national recognition at the RTX Invention Convention U.S. Nationals, hosted at The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation in Dearborn, Michigan.
Programs like Invention Convention Worldwide empower young minds with the tools to identify real-world problems and develop inventive solutions, all while building confidence and entrepreneurial thinking that lasts a lifetime. Through hands-on, interdisciplinary learning, students aren’t just imagining the future. They’re actively shaping it. That’s why we’re so proud to share that students from our program were selected to present their innovations at the National Invention Convention, an incredible milestone and a testament to what’s possible when we invest in invention education.
A Statewide Milestone
On April 12, 2025, student inventors from five Arizona counties—Maricopa, Yuma, Mohave, Cochise and Pima—gathered to showcase their original solutions to real-world problems. Hosted by the J. Orin Edson Entrepreneurship + Innovation Institute at ASU, the event was more than a competition—it was a celebration of creativity, courage, and community.
This inaugural event was the result of a statewide initiative launched earlier in the school year, when The Henry Ford invited ASU’s Edson E+I Youth Entrepreneurship team to serve as Arizona’s official affiliate. Through this partnership, invention education expanded across the state, with more than 3,000 students accessing the no-cost curriculum available on inHub.
Blending STEM and entrepreneurship, students followed a full innovation cycle—from problem identification to customer discovery, prototype development, marketing and pitch delivery. Their inventions reflected deep curiosity and compassion, including a kelp-based plastic replacer, a solar-powered watering system, a stroke-rehabilitation exoskeleton and a baby goat stand for young farmers. Arizona’s young innovators rose to the challenge with heart and ingenuity.
Arizona Goes National
From our inaugural state finals, 17 Arizona students qualified to advance to the RTX Invention Convention U.S. Nationals, held at The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation in Dearborn, Michigan. Of those, 14 made the journey, joining 490 young inventors from across the country—a shining representation of the over 200,000 students nationwide who participate in Invention Convention each year.
And in our very first year on the national stage, Arizona made history.
Gwen L., a 5th grader from Carden of Tucson, brought home two national awards:
- Second Place in the 5th Grade category
- First Place in the Environment & Sustainability category
Her invention, the Increda-Pack, is a kelp-based alternative to plastic packaging, designed to replace items like six-pack rings. Unlike traditional plastic, Increda-Pack is biodegradable, safe for wildlife, and helps reduce plastic waste—a creative and environmentally responsible solution that stood out on the national stage.
Gwen didn’t stop at the idea. She has already applied for a provisional patent, demonstrating that she’s not only thinking like an inventor, but also acting like an entrepreneur.
To have a student win at nationals in our first year is both humbling and exhilarating. Gwen’s invention, voice, and presence are a testament to what’s possible when young people are empowered to solve real problems with their own ideas. With Increda-Pack, she didn’t just imagine a solution—she built one. And by protecting it, she’s already taking the next step toward making a real-world impact. She represents exactly what this program is all about: equipping students to be creators, not just consumers, of the future.
A Forever Milestone
Every student who walked the floor of the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation brought with them something bigger than a prototype—they brought their dreams, their confidence and their voice. And now, for the rest of their lives, each one of these students carries something that no one can ever take away.
They had an invention featured at The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation.
That is a legacy. That is confidence. That is a moment they will always own and always remember.
Beyond the Awards: Confidence, Communication, and Community
But this journey wasn’t just about medals. It was about transformation. Several Arizona inventors auditioned for Shark Tank, and others were interviewed by national organizations, including The Henry Ford. These invention showcases were confidence-building, life-shaping experiences.
Throughout the event, we heard from parents who witnessed powerful change. Over the course of just three days, students who were once shy and hesitant became confident public speakers, proudly presenting their ideas with clarity and passion.
Some families had followed the full journey from regional to state to nationals. Others joined in at state and still experienced incredible growth. One common thread from every parent:
“My child grew so much through this experience.”
For Sabrina Sue, mother of Blayden—a 4th grader from Estrella Vista STEM Academy who invented the Robot Kitty Companion—the experience was unforgettable:
“It was such an amazing experience watching our son make so much growth at Nationals! We thought the learning experience was just embedded throughout the path to Nationals… which it was! But we were not expecting all of the incredible experiences, learning opportunities and supports that were waiting for students at the National Convention! The entire experience from start to finish was such a transformative one—not just for our son but for our entire family!”
We are proud of every single inventor who joined us this year. Whether or not they brought home a trophy, they walked away with something even more powerful—the belief that their ideas matter.
A Look Ahead
As we look ahead to 2026, Arizona is just getting started. With over 3,000 students already engaged, passionate educators and families leading the charge, and an expanding support network, we are building something extraordinary and sustainable.
The Edson E+I Youth Entrepreneurship team at ASU is honored to help steward invention education across the state. We’re already working to expand access, increase resources, and provide even more students the opportunity to imagine, invent and inspire.
If this is what year one looks like, we’re excited for what’s ahead as we continue to support students in achieving even more and building the foundation for the future of our communities. Stay connected by signing up for our newsletter or help make K–12 innovators’ dreams a reality by donating toward the next Invention Convention.
