Young Inventors Take Top Honors at the 2026 Inventionland Education National Invention Contest

Student inventors took center stage at the 2026 Inventionland Education National Invention Contest, where elementary and middle-school student teams presented original product ideas developed through creativity, teamwork, problem-solving, and hands-on innovation.

Held over two days at Inventionland world headquarters in Pittsburgh, May 19 and 20, the national contest gave students the opportunity to share their work with professional judges and celebrate the kind of hands-on learning that can turn a classroom idea into something meaningful.

The event also celebrated the educators and schools that encourage students to ask questions, test ideas, revise their work, and proudly share solutions with others.

On Tuesday, May 19, elementary school teams presented their inventions in the elementary competition.

First place went to Alivia, Scotlyn, Veronica, and Elise for their invention, the Cozy Kitchen Pro Pan. This special pan changes color as you cook meat, so you know exactly when it’s done. It includes five different color progressions for rare, medium-rare, medium, medium-well, and well done, and has settings for pork, chicken, and beef.

Second place went to Stella and Maiva for Palm Tree Productions Beach Bucket. This product is made for the beach, so it’s sandproof and waterproof, with a secret compartment for valuable items like your phone or keys.

Third place was awarded to Ty, Logan, and Caleb for Rocket Football Athletics. This is a specially made football with a “super fin” and a propeller inside so it can fly further and faster and make a perfect throw every time.

The elementary student winners set a new standard for the competition, as all three came from Ehrman Crest Elementary, part of the Seneca Valley School District in Pennsylvania. This made the school’s showing at the national contest especially memorable, since the school’s grand prize included a new 3D printer to support future design and prototyping.

Industry-leading judges for the elementary competition, Stephanie Buzzatto, Michele Butler, and Nathan Field, reviewed each student group’s presentation before selecting the top three teams.

The competition continued on Wednesday, May 20, at the middle school level. Grove City Area Middle School took home the grand school prize, a Cricut Explore 5, after two of its student teams finished in the top three.

First place in the middle school competition went to Stash & Sparkle from Grove City Area Middle School. The product helps store necklaces on the go by attaching to a zipper in a purse, backpack, or other item so they don’t get lost or tangled.

Second place was awarded to Beka and Alida for Snap & Stay, also from Grove City Area Middle School. This ingenious invention helps organize closets by sliding onto the hanger’s head, holding clothing in place for less stress and no mess.

Third place went to Genevieve, Nini, and Ellie for Playful Paws from Neshannock Middle School. Playful Paws Harness is a lightweight and breathable dog harness made from soft mesh and smooth silk materials, designed to reduce frizz and prevent tangling.

Middle school judges, including Dr. Tiffany Nix, Ann Marie Weiss, and John Bitzer, evaluated the presentations and selected three winning teams from a competitive field of young innovators.

For every student group that participated, the contest was about more than earning an award medal or a top placement. It was an opportunity to communicate an idea, explain a problem, present a solution, and see what is possible when creativity is paired with persistence.

These experiences are at the heart of Inventionland Education’s approach to learning. Through invention-based education, students learn to collaborate, think critically, build confidence, and apply STEM skills in real-world settings. In the process, they are becoming creators, presenters, and problem solvers.

Congratulations to the 2026 elementary and middle school winners, their teachers, and every student team that presented during this year’s National Invention Contest. This year’s students showed that great ideas can begin at any age.