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Registration closes this week for CHITAG Young Inventor Challenge

Published on: 28th October 2019

The Chicago Toy and Game Group will host the 14th annual global search for the most innovative toys and games designed by kids, for kids.

The YIC, an annual competition sponsored by PlayMonster, Spin Master and Goliath/Pressman, provides a forum for children aged 6-18 to present original toy and game inventions to industry professionals, the media and consumers. The deadline for online registration is 31st October, and the deadline to submit all entry materials is 11th November.

Hosted by the Chicago Toy & Game Group, the goal of the Young Inventors Challenge is to inspire creativity and innovation and to provide mentorship to students in the process. All entrants will receive scores and written feedback from seasoned product development, acquisition, innovation and marketing professionals following the event. Prizes total $5,000 in scholarships, plus the possibility to have a submitted idea developed and distributed in partnership with leading toy and game manufacturers. Last year’s winners and finalists entered licensing and distribution deals with PlayMonster, Goliath/Pressman and Target.

To enter, young inventors are required to provide a toy or game project description, prototype, photos and a pitch video. Judging is split into two categories, Junior (ages 6-10) and Senior (ages 11-18). One Junior and one Senior Winner will be selected in each of the following categories: Most Creative Concept, Best Game Concept, Best Playful Learning Concept, Most Marketable, and Best Presentation.

Winners will be announced and prizes awarded at 2:30pm on Saturday 23rd November at the CHITAG Fair at Navy Pier in downtown Chicago, following online and in-person judging. With the video participation possible, entrants need not attend CHITAG to be eligible to win.

“Kids are naturally inventive, and the Young Inventor Challenge celebrates the imagination and creativity of youth,” said Alicia Alexander, director of the Young Inventor Challenge. “It also provides a once-in-a-lifetime chance to be mentored by leaders in the toy and game industry, with some entries being developed and distributed by top toy and game manufacturers.”

To learn more and register for the Young Inventor Challenge visit www.chitag.com/yic. For more information about CHITAG Week 21st-24th November, visit www.chitag.com or follow @ChiTAGWeek on social media.

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