Coming Full Circle: How Returning to Invention Convention U.S. Nationals Inspires Alumni and the Next Generation

For many student inventors, participating in Invention Convention U.S. Nationals (ICUSN) is a defining milestone. It is where months (or years) of curiosity, persistence and problem-solving culminate in sharing an invention with peers, judges and industry professionals. But what happens after Nationals?

For a growing number of alumni, the journey doesn't end with graduation. This year, former student inventors returned to ICUSN not as competitors, but as mentors, storytellers, volunteers and ambassadors. Whether helping create video content, cheering on current participants or sharing their own invention journeys, they discovered that returning to the place where it all began was just as meaningful as competing.

Three Alumni. Three Different Journeys. One Shared Purpose.

Each of this year's featured alumni has taken a unique path since competing at Invention Convention.

Meera Ramaswami, who competed in 2022 with Cargility, received the Patent Application Award, sponsored by Cooley LLP. Today, she is entering the final year of her civil engineering degree at the University of Alberta with a focus on transportation engineering while continuing to grow her startup, named after her invention. Cargility has since been patented and is preparing to enter the marketplace.

Suhani Gandhi participated in Invention Convention throughout middle and high school in Michigan. In 2020, she earned 3rd Place in the 8th Grade Category for Reinnervate and later competed in ICUSN 2023 with the Sitter Upper. Suhani also served as an ICW Student Reporter at ICUSN in 2024. Now studying computer engineering at the Georgia Institute of Technology, she has already completed software engineering internships with ADP and DBS Bank (Development Bank of Singapore) and hopes to pursue an MBA.

Jonathan Walker competed in Florida in 2020 and 2021. In 2020, Jonathan earned the Patent Application Award, presented by WilmerHale, for Tactile Braille Communication System. In 2021, he won 2nd Place in the 11th Grade Category for Biomit. Today, he is pursuing a master of engineering in design and technology at Duke University, following experiences as an AI engineering intern with the NBA, a Product Manager at Xbox, and roles in rehabilitation engineering and technical program management.

Although their paths have been different, each returned to ICUSN for the same reason: to invest in the next generation of inventors.

Seeing ICUSN Through New Eyes

Walking back into The Henry Ford, Meera immediately recognized something familiar: "The positive energy of ICUSN is inspiring and unrivaled," she said. That same excitement was echoed by Suhani, who noticed that while the spirit of the event hadn't changed, today's students are pushing the boundaries of what's possible. "Seeing students be excited about their projects never changes,” said Suhani. “What surprised me is the advancement in the level of projects and support of especially the younger students. There was no limit placed on a student's vision."

For Jonathan, returning wasn't simply nostalgic — it was energizing. "Seeing young inventors actively in that process brought me a lot of joy." Watching students tackle meaningful problems reminded him of his own experience years earlier and reinforced why invention education matters.

A Full-Circle Moment

Perhaps the strongest theme shared by all three alumni was the opportunity to give back. "I owe so much to this program and want to give back to show students the amazing ways ICUSN can impact their lives,” said Meera, who credits Invention Convention with changing the trajectory of her life.

"Being able to give back to the ecosystem working alongside the same people who have invested heavily in me is a really cool full-circle moment,” said Jonathan. He also gained a deeper appreciation for everything that happens behind the scenes to create an unforgettable experience for young inventors. Meanwhile, Suhani found herself inspired by the students' enthusiasm and optimism. "Their genuine interest in what they are working on gives me hope for the future."

Lessons That Last a Lifetime

While each alum has pursued a different career and life path, they all point back to skills developed through Invention Convention as foundational to their success.

For Suhani, the experience cultivated a lifelong problem-solving mindset and the confidence to communicate complex ideas. And for Jonathan, "It's quite literally altered the trajectory of my life." The confidence he built through inventing gave him the courage to create his own engineering major, embrace interdisciplinary opportunities and pursue work at organizations ranging from Microsoft to the NBA.

These stories are reminders that Invention Convention isn't just about one invention or one competition. It's about developing curiosity, resilience, communication skills and the confidence to pursue ambitious ideas long after Nationals ends.

Once an Inventor, Always an Inventor

Returning alumni revisit memories and become part of someone else's. Throughout Nationals, alumni spent time talking with students, answering questions, filming stories, cheering young inventors on and reminding them that today's invention could become tomorrow's patent, startup or career.

Meera hopes every participant leaves with "greater inspiration, curiosity and a drive to keep inventing." Jonathan hopes they leave empowered to be the changemakers this world needs.: "They don't have to sit back and wait for someone to fix things; they can have the confidence to go and invent what's necessary."

These messages capture the spirit of the ICW alumni community.

Being an Invention Convention alum means more than looking back on your journey. It means using your experience to help others on theirs. Whether mentoring students, volunteering at events, sharing your story or supporting fellow alumni, every graduate has something valuable to contribute. The experiences, lessons and confidence gained through invention education continue creating impact for years to come.

If you're 18 or older and have participated in an Invention Convention program, take the next step in your innovation journey. Reconnect with Invention Convention through the Alumni Program and expand your network, discover new opportunities, share your experiences, and give back to the community that helped spark your passion for invention. Subscribe to our Alumni Enews and join our LinkedIn Group today.