Registration for People of Play’s 19th Annual Young Inventors Challenge International Championship is now open. Until October 27, kids ages 6 to 18 can submit their original toy or game creations – and kids can win prizes or potentially have their designs published.
The competition aims to encourage creativity, problem-solving and innovation among the younger generation. As a result, children from multiple countries faced oppositionMore than a dozen winners have seen their designs become actual products on the shelves of major retailers like Target and independent retailers.
One junior invention and one senior invention will be awarded in six categories, including Best Promotion, Most Innovative, Most Attractive, Most Original, Most Marketable and Best Potential. The winners will be announced live during the Chicago Toy and Game Show on November 9, but the young designers do not need to be present.
If families aren’t sure where to start, they can rely on the community. Over the past 10 years, more than 10,000 children have signed up to compete, with support from regional events. Certain summer camps, independent toy stores, Boy Scouts, school clubs, libraries, etc. will host events to help children get a head start and determine what to submit.
Toy industry professional and certified play expert Ahren Hoffman will serve as Young Inventors Challenge director for the second year in a row. Allen’s goal is to advocate for the importance and power of play. “The Young Inventors Challenge provides a unique platform for young people to explore their ideas! We believe every child has the potential to become an innovator, and this competition can help ignite that spark of creativity,” said Hoffman explain. “The tournament is the pinnacle for individual child creators and children who design toys or games through school projects or even community area events.”
In addition to individual donations, the challenge also received sponsorship and funding from Mattel, The Op/USAopoly, Fun in Motion, Crazy Aaron’s, Goliath and Hasbro. “I love this event,” said Tony Serebriany, vice president of The Op/USAopoly. “It celebrates kids and their creativity and gives them a platform to create something of their own. We never know what amazing new toys and toys we’ll see when we leave it to the kids. Game ideas!
Registration and more information can be found at chitag.com. Registration fee is $25.
