WORLD NEWS

People of Play’s 15th annual Young Inventor Challenge underway

Published on: 8th October 2020

Deadline for entries for the 2020 Young Inventor Challenge is 31st October. 

2020 Young Inventor Challenge

People of Play (POP), formerly known as the Chicago Toy & Game Group, is kicking off the 15th annual Young Inventor Challenge. This year’s contest is sponsored by Mattel, Magformers, Goliath and Hasbro, four companies that have a long history of working with and developing inventors young and old. Also sponsoring the event is The United Inventors Association and Female Strong.

As the challenge enters its 15th year, POP has announced that Jazmine Darden, an innovator and educator in the 3D printing field, will assume leadership of the programme.

The Young Inventor Challenge attracts kids aged 6-18 years old from around the world to create and pitch their original toy and game ideas. More than a dozen winners from previous years have seen their concepts manufactured and sold in stores nationwide.

The 2020 Young Inventor Challenge is open to enter here now. Deadline for entries is 31st October.

One winner will be chosen for each of the following categories:

  • Most Creative
  • Most Marketable
  • Best Game
  • Best Playful Learning
  • Best Outdoor or Active Play

Hopeful individuals and teams are asked to submit a pitch video explaining their original toy or game. The first 200 entries receive valuable feedback from professional inventors, and winners will receive a $250 prize package of the latest toys and games. Prizes will be awarded on Saturday 21st November as part of People of Play’s presentation of CHITAG Week. There is a suggested donation of $25 to enter, and $15 for registrations completed by October 15th.

Overseeing entries for the 15th annual instalment of the YIC, Jazmine Darden is an innovator at heart with a background in mathematics, physics and engineering. As a 3D printing enthusiast, her latest invention, IAMEARHERO, ear savers for masks, took off during the pandemic. Jazmine has a passion for mentoring young people and regularly takes her 17 3D printers on the road for workshops in schools, museums and clubs.

“We are so fortunate to have Jazmine on our team,“ said Mary Couzin, president and founder of People of Play. “She brings a lot of energy and enthusiasm to the programme. Her background in innovation and mentorship are huge assets and will help shape the future of this program.”

This latest Young Inventor Challenge follows a successful contest that was held in the spring due to the pandemic. Four young inventors took home prizes and were celebrated for their original toys and games.

A highlight reel of the spring Young Inventor Challenge winners can be viewed below:

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