Participants
Independent Inventor Program
We envision a world in which all young learners have access to innovation, invention, and entrepreneurial learning to gain the confidence and skills to control their own destiny and help shape a better future.
ELIGIBILITY
Who Can Participate?
The ICW Independent Inventor Program (IIP) is designed for students in the United States that have a passion for inventing and educators who are interested in including invention curriculum into their classrooms and find themselves in one of the following categories:
You live in a state that does not currently have an ICW affiliate or program
You are a K-12 student who is outside of the grade or age-range supported by your local ICW program
You are a homeschooled student and your ICW affiliate or program does not accept individual participants (many ICW affiliates do accept independent inventors, so it’s important to check with your region’s ICW affiliate program first)
Students may only participate in the IIP if they do not have access to participating in a local or state affiliate and students may only participate in one Invention Convention pathway
Useful Links
Rubric and Supporting Materials
Youth Inventor Connects
Double Check Eligiblity for IIP
Confirm there are no local programs in your state
HOW TO PARTICIPATE
Register your Intent to Participate
Parents and educators are welcome to register your intent to participate in the 2027 IIP Invention Convention here:
Access Resources
Youth Inventor Connects
Youth Inventor Connects is designed to inspire and support young inventors on their own invention journeys. Utilizing ArcGIS StoryMaps and highlighting Invention Convention Worldwide's 7-step invention process, this resource provides virtual mentoring, Kahoot! games, relevant videos, and structure for self-paced and self-directed learning as well as exposure to a vibrant cast of young inventors who share their invention journeys.
Important Dates
Intent To Participate deadline
Teachers communicate participation numbers to IIP. Independent Inventors communicate intent to participate to Independent Inventor Program.
Invitations to the Independent Inventor Program competition will be sent out.
Event Registration opens for students
Students who have received an invitation to compete in the IIP Competition register on the IIP ZFAIRS site (link will come with the invitations).
Deadline for registered students to complete entry
Independent Inventor Program competition judging begins
Independent Inventor Program competition judging ends
Invention Convention U.S. Nationals qualifiers will be notified and announced on the ICW website and ICW Facebook page
Invention Convention U.S. Nationals competition at The Henry Ford
Qualifying inventions will be invited to compete at the Invention Convention U.S. Nationals competition at The Henry Ford.
Information Sessions
Want to learn more about the Independent Inventor Program and our staff? Please Register for an information session.
Thursday, August 13, 2026 | Science & Engineering Fair Leaders
3-4pm ET
Thursday, August 20, 2026 | General Info Session
3-4pm ET
Thursday, October 6, 2026 | Professional Development for Educators
6-8pm ET
Tuesday, October 20, 2026 | Professional Development for Parents with Students
6-8pm ET
Thursday, November 3, 2026 | General Info Session
6-7pm ET
Saturday, January 9, 2027 | General Professional Development
10-12pm ET
Friday, April 23, 2027 | General Professional Development
4-5pm ET
Independent Inventor Program Office Hours
Sign up for an office hours session to ask any questions you may have or to receive additional information.
Thursday, August 27. 2026
4-5pm ET
Friday, September 25, 2026
4-5pm ET
Friday, October 23, 2026
4-5pm ET
Friday, November 20, 2026
4-5pm ET
Friday, December 18, 2026
4-5pm ET
Friday, January 22, 2027
4-5pm ET
Friday, February 26, 2027
4-5pm ET
Friday, March 31, 2027
4-5pm ET
Looking for a Bespoke IIP Professional Development Session for Your Group?
If you have 5 or more educators who will be delivering the Invention Convention Program at your site, please click below to begin.
Learn More with inHub
The Henry Ford's inHub is a community for all educators that includes curriculum resources, professional development opportunities and experiential learning programs like Invention Convention Worldwide. Sign up for a free inHub account to gain access to hundreds of educational resources designed to activate the innovative mindset in all learners.
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Access Invention Convention Curriculum
