Massachusetts Invention Convention - where young innovators get their start! This state convention brings educational standards-based invention curriculum and opportunities to K-12 students. Professional development for educators is offered for free at learning institutions statewide. Many programs are school based but young innovators who do. not have a program at their school may participate through the Independent Inventors Program. All innovators are welcome. Culminating events take place at schools, organizations, or online for independent inventors in late winter. Top entries at schools and organizations may showcase at the state convention in April where there is an opportunity to move forward to the national Invention Convention held at the Henry Ford Museum in Michigan in June. The 2026 Massachusetts Invention Convention will be held at Hopkinton High School on April 11th.
Competition Process
What's an invention convention like? They are where Shark Tank meets science fairs. Young people showcase their inventions, get feedback from judges, and have fun. Young people's showcase includes a prototype of their invention. Often, they include a tri-fold board the explains their invention process. Project notebooks are strongly encouraged to be kept and these, too, are on display. Judges score entries based on a rubric that evaluates the process of invention: problem identification, research, ideation, design, and testing/refinement. Also, invention impact is considered including: originality, practicality, market potential, and societal/environmental factors. For more information and resources, go to: What's an invention convention like? They are where Shark Tank meets science fairs. Young people showcase their inventions, get feedback from judges, and have fun. Resources
Judging Criteria
Evaluation criteria be found under resources the judging rubric here: Resources
Participate
Website: massinventionconvention.org
Managing Organization: NextMinds
All K-12 school aged youths in Massachusetts!