Throughout the year, students in the Gates Invention and Innovation Program developed their ideas, presenting concepts that needed to be “green lighted” before moving forward. With guidance from Gates coaches, they refined their thinking, tested solutions, and revisited their designs, building perseverance along the way. The program culminated in the Expo, where students showcased their final prototypes and explained the thinking behind their inventions.

A highlight of the event was welcoming back Diane Gates ’69 Wallach, daughter of Mr. Gates, who returns each year to see student inventions and continue honoring her father’s vision and legacy of innovation at Graland. Selected finalists then advanced to present their work to a panel of judges with expertise in engineering, entrepreneurship, and product development.

The event concluded with an awards assembly celebrating student innovation and recognizing standout work. Two inventions received a rare “patent nod,” including The Save Me Safety Stirrup by G. C. and Pillthritis by Morgen K. and Haddie C., recognizing their originality and potential real-world impact.

Also recognized during the assembly, Graland alumni Jessie H. ’24 and Sam M. ’24 were officially awarded a U.S. patent for their invention, The Noti-Light, a device designed to alert individuals with diabetes when their blood sugar drops during the night.

To learn more about this year’s inventions, visit graland.org/gates.