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People of Play (POP) is gearing up for its annual Young Inventor Challenge (YIC), sponsored this year by toy giants Goliath, Mattel, HABA, New Key Pet LLC, and Crazy Aaron’s.
The YIC provides an outlet for young inventors to create, present and connect with toy industry professionals to receive professional critiques and guidance.
“The goal of the YIC is to inspire creativity, and provide mentorship to these awesome kids,” says Karen Luciana, Director of the Young Inventor Challenge. “It is a competition, but our hope is for these students to gain invaluable insights during their experience. All of our mentors and judges are handpicked to bring their individual strengths together for these kids. From product development, leadership, invention, marketing – all of their wisdom is meant to teach our remarkable contestants.”
The YIC invites kids aged between six and 18 from around the world to dig into their entrepreneurial spirit to develop a unique toy or game, honing creativity, critical thinking and STEAM skills throughout the invention and innovation process. Past winning inventions can be found sitting on store shelves today.
Aspiring inventors and dreamers can CLICK TO ENTER. There is a $15 registration fee.
The deadline for entries is 31 October, and winners will be announced at a virtual Awards Ceremony on 20 November. Each winner will receive a $250 prize package of toys and games, while one winner will be chosen for each of the following categories: Most Marketable; Most Sustainable; Best Game; Best Presentation; Most Fun Pet Toy.
More information, and YIC resources, can be found here.
