What participants say …

Hoopla Rack,
third place and $4,000,
2008 Schoofs Prize for Creativity;
third place and $700,
Tong Prototype Prize;
and Younkle Best Presentation Award

“Through the whole process, I actually began to see my design turn into a prototype, and now my prototype might actually become a patented reality. By the end, I was so happy that I had chosen to take a chance on myself and do something that brought my engineering and hooping life together.”

—Danielle McIntosh

Pen Smart,
$1,000 Judges’ Award for Special Merit,
2008 Schoofs Prize for Creativity

“I thought of this product two years ago—I wrote it down and kind of forgot about it for awhile. And I realized that if I didn’t do it, I’d always regret it, so I just decided to pursue it. The competition is a great outlet for anyone interested in innovation and development. The experience gives you the tools to develop the idea and the confidence to continue.”

—Daniel Gartenberg

Innovators in the news …
articles about past competitors

The Flying Eye

The Flying Eye: an aerial photography system that allows users to attach a still camera to a lifting device such as a balloon or kite.

Aaron Monroe, Kevin Storm, Erik Bluemner and Andy Zuber (behind TV) demonstrate The Flying Eye: an aerial photography system that allows users to attach a still camera to a lifting device such as a balloon or kite. (large image)

“I feel that our team benefited immensely by being able to see our idea in real life, and the experience is priceless. Not only did the prototype complement our design efforts, but it was truly a fun experience.”

—; Aaron Monroe