Young Edison Challenge

Are You a Student Inventor?

Each year, students in grades 9-12 are invited to showcase their creativity by creating a new, innovative product or service and developing a plan to market it.

The top three student innovations are named “Young Edison” Student Winners. Each of the winners receive a trip to the Edison Awards in Fort Myers, Florida. Additionally, available scholarships include: $2,500 GOLD, $1,500 SILVER, and $1,000 BRONZE!

Submissions are currently closed for 2023. Watch this page for announcements for the opening of the 2024 season.

Presented by the Charlotte Community Foundation.

"I am forever inspired by the achievements of the women around me, my peers who share my passions for robotics and engineering, who both push and support me to reach my goals"

Pria Sawhney

2022 Young Edison Challenge Winner

SUBMIT YOUR NOMINATION HERE

Click Here to Begin

Download the 2023 Student Nomination Guide

Teachers, download a flier
for your classroom bulletin
board or newsletter.

Download the Student Flier

2023 Student Winners

GAME CHANGER

Corneal Applanation Scleral Buckling Model
by Sonia Patel

GOLD WINNER

Recycled dog toy made from donated textile waste
by Isis Fleming, Kayla Davis, Leandra Kelly, Michael Hathaway

SILVER WINNER

Hypershelter
by Aldrich Heinz Alvarez

BRONZE WINNER

Biopurication: using Chlorella vulgaris and Spirulina major to create an open system bioreactor generating electricity while running a dual-purpose air purification and CO2 sequestration system
by Amaya Etcheverry

Student Presentations at the 2022 Meet the Innovators Forum

Want to be a Young Edison Challenge Expert Reviewer?

We are looking for industry experts, educators as well as qualified undergraduate and graduate students to review student nominations in February to help us determine our Young Edison Challenge Winners. If you are interested in being an Young Edison Challenge Expert Reviewer, fill out our application.