Inventive Kids Creating a Bright Future

Our mission is to develop and enhance creative thinking and problem-solving skills in children in grades K-8 through the processes of invention, innovation, and entrepreneurship- while encouraging interest in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM).
We are proud to provide a forum that encourages creative and critical thinking, trains educators to pass on these skills, and showcases the rich creativity of the youth in our community at our annual event. WNY Invention Convention celebrates young inventors from public, private, and charter schools as well as home schools and Scout troops.

The effort spent on research, brainstorming, and model-making shows in each inventor’s amazing displays. Even more powerful is the sense of pride seen on each face and heard in every conversation.

Remarkable innovation is shown when students pair their creativity skills with Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) as they develop solutions to challenges that they've encountered in their daily lives.

The judging panels are made up of professionals from all over WNY. Judges represent many industries: Electronics, Healthcare, Consumer Products, Engineering, Law, Safety, Science, and more.

Congratulations to our 2023 Finalists!
WNY Invention Convention Previous Winners
US Nationals Finalist-K-3rd: First Place
Grade 3
Emma L. & Isla S.
West Street Elementary School
Math Addicts
WNY Invention Convention Previous Winners
US Nationals Finalist-4th-6th: First Place
Grade 5
Levi Z.
Northwood Elementary School
Handy Dandy Paintbrush
WNY Invention Convention Previous Winners
K-3rd: 2nd Place
Grade 3
Eleanor H. & Peyton C.
West Street Elementary School
Concentrate Chair
WNY Invention Convention Previous Winners
4th-6th: 2nd Place
Grade 6
Mia R. & Natalia O.
North Tonawanda Intermediate
Sofa Shooter
WNY Invention Convention Previous Winners
K-3rd: 3rd Place
Grade 1
Maya R.
West Street Elementary School
Seat Belt Cover 6000
WNY Invention Convention Previous Winners
4th-6th: 3rd Place
Grade 6
Kurt D.
North Tonawanda Intermediate
Backpack Umbrella
WNY Invention Convention Previous Winners
Director's Choice: K-3rd
Grade 1
Abigail O. & Eleanor S.
Colonial Village Elementary
Bubble Wand Holder
WNY Invention Convention Previous Winners
Director's Choice 4th-6th
Grade 6
Emma T. & Haydee H.
North Tonawanda Intermediate
Stalker Blocker
WNY Invention Convention Previous Winners
People's Choice: All Grades
Grade 5
Avery C.
Northwood Elementary School
Pack of Possibilities
WNY Invention Convention Previous Winners
Automotive Category
Grade 4
Callista N.
North Tonawanda Intermediate
Calli Cup
WNY Invention Convention Previous Winners
Restaurant Category
Grade 4
Aiden T.
Lindbergh Elementary School
Menu Monkey
WNY Invention Convention Previous Winners
Food Category
Grade 4
Nora R.
West Street Elementary School
Candy Scrooge
WNY Invention Convention Previous Winners
Technology Category
Grade 5
William G.
North Tonawanda Intermediate
Safe & Sound Glasses Finder
WNY Invention Convention Previous Winners
Sports/Recreation Category
Grade 5
Leo P.
Northwood Elementary School
Fast Photos Camera
WNY Invention Convention Previous Winners
Pet Care Category
Grade 5
Cole M.
Northwood Elementary School
Goldilocks Dog Toys
WNY Invention Convention Previous Winners
School/Office Category
Grade 5
Lilianna C. & Lucia T.
North Tonawanda Intermediate
Extendable Eraser
Thank You 2024 Sponsors

2024 Invention Process Schedule

WNY Invention Convention Schedule
ONGOING
Inventors Start/Finish/Improve their Inventions

Download our forms and guidelines which include:
• Presentation Guidelines for Online Event
• Original Invention Development Guidelines
• Goodwill Industries Re-Invent Guidelines
• Scoring Rubric Form (used to provide feedback from judges)

WNY Invention Convention Schedule
01/01/24
Registration Opens

Register Inventor and Inventions at wnyic.zfairs.com!
Where presentations, photos & video links are uploaded are accessed by the Online Judges.*

It is recommended that the parent/caregiver assists in registering the inventor.

In person attendance at the WNY Invention Convention is required to be eligible for awards.

Experiencing issues with access? Reach out to your teacher for help

WNY Invention Convention Schedule
03/15/24
Pre-Registration Closes

Fees are waived for participants whom register by this date.

All materials (Photos, Inventor Story, supporting docs) must be uploaded and registration fees paid.

WNY Invention Convention Schedule
04/28/24 8:30-10AM
Invention Convention Day Check-in and Set-Up

Parking for check-in is in the front lot, with additional parking in the rear. Follow the signs for check-in

WNY Invention Convention Schedule
10-11:30AM
Judging, Media Interviews, Museum Tours, Food Trucks, & More

All inventors and their families are free to explore the Museum once their inventors have been interviewed judging, prior to the Awards Ceremony.

WNY Invention Convention Schedule
12:30-1:30PM
WNYIC Awards Ceremony at the Buffalo Museum of Science

Participants and their family are to join us for the annual WNY Invention Convention Awards Ceremony, held in the auditorium of the Buffalo Museum of Science, where we will celebrate the participants and announce the winners.
Good luck! We are excited to see you at the Invention Convention!

WNY Invention Convention Schedule
TBD
National Invention Convention at The Henry Ford

Top winners will be invited to attend the National Invention Convention to present their inventions on a national stage! Financial support is provided thanks to our generous sponsors.