The University of South Florida today was named the official Florida state affiliate for Invention Convention Worldwide (ICW), a competition from The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation geared toward young inventors. The program will give students statewide the opportunity to showcase their inventive projects, compete for awards and potentially advance to the national competition. This will mark the first time the event has taken place in Florida.
USF joins an extensive network of distinguished ICW affiliates across the nation in their commitment to foster innovation and creativity and support the next generation of inventors. This invention competition will be run in partnership with USF Research & Innovation and the Florida Inventors Hall of Fame, which is housed at USF.
"As the Invention Convention Worldwide state affiliate for Florida, the University of South Florida is looking forward to the opportunity of empowering students across Florida to become active participants in shaping the future. The Invention Convention at USF provides future inventors with real-world experience of taking an idea from concept to commercialization while equipping them with the skills required for growth and success in a rapidly evolving world," said Prasant Mohapatra, USF provost and executive vice president of academic affairs.
ICW is an internationally recognized program that encourages students from kindergarten to 12th grade to develop and showcase their inventive skills. By providing a platform for young inventors to explore, create and innovate, ICW has inspired thousands of young minds to tackle real-world challenges through ingenuity and problem-solving.
"The Henry Ford is thrilled to welcome the University of South Florida as the Invention Convention Florida state affiliate," said Patricia Mooradian, The Henry Ford president and CEO. "We have a shared purpose to inspire the next generation of innovators and inventors. Invention Convention is changing the lives of our students, and we look forward to working with USF to expand this program and inspire young people across the state to shape a better future."
This ICW partnership provides USF the opportunity to further expand its imprint in the broader innovation space and create a cycle of innovation to help K-12 students learn to become innovators, then leaders who encourage and support.
"The Henry Ford Museum's Invention Convention Worldwide possesses the vision, resources and commitment necessary to foster young inventors across the nation," said Sylvia Wilson Thomas, interim vice president for USF Research & Innovation. "This vision aligns perfectly with our invention and innovation education efforts to empower our next generation to become future leaders, change-makers, problem-solvers and industry-disruptors."
The first competition is set to take place at USF in spring 2025. The top-placing students will advance to the national competition at the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Michigan.
