#United States #Chicago #Young Inventor Challenge #People of Play #Creative Minds

The 20th Annual Young Inventor Challenge® Registration Opens

People of Play™ (POP), the premier community of toy industry professionals, is excited to announce that registration for its landmark 20th annual Young Inventor Challenge® (YIC) International Championship is officially open. This year, aspiring young inventors between the ages of 6 and 18 can submit their original toy or game designs until October 26, 2025.

Celebrating Two Decades of Innovation

The Young Inventor Challenge has played an instrumental role in inspiring and empowering the creative potential in children across the globe. Since its inception, the YIC has welcomed innovative participants from various countries, including the U.S., Canada, Germany, and Mexico. Many winners have even seen their creations transformed into commercial products, available in local stores and major retailers like Target.

This year, the excitement builds to a peak on November 8, during the Chicago Toy & Game Fair (CHITAG), the largest consumer toy and game event in North America. The winners will be unveiled during a highly anticipated live ceremony. Importantly, participants do not need to be present to claim their victory.

A Passion for Youth Empowerment

Returning as the Director of the YIC is Ahren Hoffman, an esteemed expert in play and toy design. He reflects on the program’s mission: “The YIC gives kids the power to bring their wildest ideas to life. For 20 years, this program has unlocked the doors to the toy industry for young creators. This year promises to be our most inspiring yet.”

To aid in their inventive journey, POP organizes a variety of regional events throughout the year. Retailers, schools, camps, and clubs can host these events, providing young inventors with crucial inspiration and support as they develop their ideas. The planning toolkit available on the YIC website allows organizations to seamlessly host their own gatherings,, encouraging broader participation across the community.

Categories of Distinction

Each year, a junior and senior invention is recognized in various categories, including:

• - Best Pitch
• - Most Innovative
• - Most Engaging
• - Most Original
• - Most Marketable
• - Best Potential

These awards celebrate not just the creativity behind the inventions but also their market viability and engagement potential.

Tony Serebriany, the vice president of inventor relations at The Op/USAopoly and a YIC judge, expresses his enthusiasm for the event: “I love being part of the YIC, because it's an opportunity to help foster creativity, innovation, design, play, and growth in the next generation. You never know what amazing new ideas you'll discover when you leave it to the kids.”

Support and Sponsorship

The 2025 Young Inventor Challenge is made possible due to the generous support of leading sponsors such as Amazon, Mattel, Hasbro, and other industry leaders. The enthusiastic contributions from these organizations help sustain the challenge and provide invaluable opportunities for young inventors.

Get Involved

Children and teens aged 6-18 are encouraged to participate in this exciting opportunity by registering for the 20th annual Young Inventor Challenge. Additional resources, rules, and registration details can be found at chitag.com/yic.

About People of Play™

People of Play™ is a division of The Toy Association™, dedicated to fostering innovation, creativity, and connectivity within the global toy and game industry. From hosting the Chicago Toy & Game Fair to the Toy & Game International Excellence Awards, POP serves as a vital resource for aspiring inventors and enthusiasts alike. Through initiatives like the YIC, they continue to support the growth and development of the next generation of toy creators.