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2025 Collegiate Inventors Competition Finals

The 2025 Collegiate Inventors Competition® has unveiled its finalists, showcasing remarkable innovations from college students across the nation. This annual event, now in its 35th year, not only fosters creativity among young inventors but also highlights their potential to solve pressing global challenges.

This year's innovations span a diverse range of fields, including healthcare, environmental sustainability, and advanced technology. For instance, one standout project, BiliRoo, developed by a student at Calvin University, addresses the critical issue of infant jaundice — a common condition affecting a significant percentage of newborns. BiliRoo is a low-cost, wearable device that provides effective phototherapy treatment, making it particularly vital for infants in low-resource settings, where traditional medical solutions are often inaccessible.

Another compelling entry is the AirGel from the University of Texas at Austin. This innovative device is designed to extract drinking water from air humidity, addressing water scarcity issues that affect billions globally. By employing solar energy for its operation, AirGel offers a sustainable solution that could become essential as populations grow and water resources dwindle.

The Judging Process

The selection process for finalists is rigorous, with expert judges evaluating inventions based on originality, practicality, and potential societal impact. Each entry undergoes thorough scrutiny, ensuring that the most innovative ideas rise to the top. The finalists will present their inventions on October 16, where they will face a panel of esteemed judges, including members from the National Inventors Hall of Fame® and officials from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

Winning teams will not only receive cash prizes but also gain valuable insights and support for further developing their ideas and navigating the patent process. According to John Squires, the Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property, this competition serves as a platform for young inventors to realize their potential and contribute to the nation's innovation landscape.

Highlights from the Finalists

• - Augmented Laparoscopic Grasper (ALG) from Purdue University improves laparoscopic surgery by enhancing tactile feedback, crucial for successful outcomes in minimally invasive procedures.
• - VacuTrac, developed by students from Rice University, optimizes spinal surgery by allowing simultaneous operations from both sides of the spine, ultimately reducing surgery time and improving patient safety.
• - The SLIM project, originating from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, aims to transform drug delivery with its self-organizing microcrystal implants, enhancing patient comfort and adherence to treatment protocols.

These thought-provoking inventions are just a few examples of how young innovators are using their skills to tackle real-world issues. As the competition unfolds, it presents a unique opportunity for these students to gain exposure, mentorship, and support as they strive to bring their visions to market.

Conclusion

As we look to the future, the innovations emerging from the Collegiate Inventors Competition illustrate the immense creativity and potential of the next generation. By fostering an environment that encourages intellectual exploration and entrepreneurial spirit, this competition paves the way for future breakthroughs that could significantly improve lives and shape a sustainable future. With the finalists poised to showcase their inventions, the excitement continues to build leading up to the final presentations in October.

Stay updated on this year's Collegiate Inventors Competition by following the National Inventors Hall of Fame on social media. For more detailed insights into the innovative projects, visit invent.org.