Gates Expo 2026: Innovation in Gear
More than 60 student inventions were on display during this year’s Gates Invention and Innovation Expo, as students in Grades 5–8 shared their ideas, designs, and problem-solving skills with the community.
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. At Graland, a “patent nod” means students are selected to continue developing their invention with the support of a patent attorney and formally submit it for a U.S. patent, an opportunity that reflects both originality and real-world potential.
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. With this latest recognition, a total of 29 students have now received patents through the Gates Invention and Innovation program.
To learn more about this year’s inventions, visit graland.org/gates.
Award Winners
Grades 7/8 Division
1st Place: The Clutch Crutch — Lauren T. & Harper K.
2nd Place (Patent Nod): Pillthritis — Morgen K. & Haddie C.
3rd Place: TurfTrapper Technology — Elle S.
Honorable Mention: Helmet Hero — Morgan W. & Serena F.
Grades 7/8 Division
1st Place: The Clutch Crutch — Lauren T. & Harper K.
2nd Place (Patent Nod): Pillthritis — Morgen K. & Haddie C.
3rd Place: TurfTrapper Technology — Elle S.
Honorable Mention: Helmet Hero — Morgan W. & Serena F.
Grades 5/6 Division
1st Place (Patent Nod): The Save Me Safety Stirrup — G. C.
2nd Place: The Easier Peanut Butter — Margot W. & Rosie W.
3rd Place: Bike Rack Protection — Wyatt H. & Danny M.
1st Place (Patent Nod): The Save Me Safety Stirrup — G. C.
2nd Place: The Easier Peanut Butter — Margot W. & Rosie W.
3rd Place: Bike Rack Protection — Wyatt H. & Danny M.
Graland Country Day School
Graland Country Day School is a private school in Denver, Colorado, serving students in preschool, kindergarten, elementary, and middle school. Founded in Denver in 1927, Graland incorporates a rich, experiential learning approach in a traditional classroom setting, emphasizing the development of globally and socially conscious leaders who excel academically.
